Reina looking to move on

It has been widely speculated in the media that Pepe Reina will use his side’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League as an opportunity to push through a move away from the club he joined in 2019, and that his chosen destination will be either Old Trafford or the Emirates. The truth is that with the strong rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United – still clearly in existence following this weekend’s derby – coupled by the return of Kenny Dalglish to the Anfield hot-seat would make it very unlikely that Reina will become the first player to move directly between the two clubs since Phil Chisnall in 1964.

So then, it would seem that Arsenal are the more likely team to take advantage of the change in fortunes of the Merseyside club, and all the signs are that it would be a marriage made in Heaven. Arsenal fans will be well aware that a top-drawer goalkeeper has been top of Arsene Wenger’s wish-list ever since David Seaman left, and despite playing in Liverpool side which has often been said to be struggling, Reina has proved himself just that by being their most consistent performer for the last five years and he has been highlighted in many an Andy Gray podcast.

Reina insists that he just wants to play at the highest level and to be vying for trophies “like any other player”, but if that’s so then a move to one of Europe’s other top sides would be far more palatable for the Liverpool fans, rather than to see him leave for one of their domestic rivals. There is even talk that he wants a clause removed from any contract which would restrict his choice of destination before he’ll even begin to think about signing an extension and the football transfer rumours suggest he is on his way out.

The bottom line is that the shoe clearly fits for both parties: guaranteed Champions League football under Wenger’s sustainable football model for the Spaniard, and a top-class keeper to help Arsenal in their push for regular silverware – the only question mark may be over his wage demands as Wenger insists on keeping to a strict budget, regardless of the grandeur of the signing in question. But with Dalglish so brazenly opening the door for Torres to move to Chelsea by insisting that he only wants players at his disposal that truly want to play for the club, watch this space.

Szczesny suffers dislocated finger against Barca

Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny suffered a dislocated finger in last night’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

The Polish keeper suffered the injury attempting to save a Dani Alves free-kick early in the first half and was replaced by Spanish keeper Manual Almunia, who pulled off a string of impressive saves in the face of an impressive Barcelona attacking performance.

Manager Arsene Wenger said he did not know how long Szczesny would be side-lined for. He said: “We have to check the tendon to see how much treatment it will need. We don’t know yet”.

The goalkeeping position has been a headache for Wenger this season, but looked to have settled on Szczesny, who played against the Spanish league leaders in the first leg game two weeks ago. Now the Frenchman will be forced to rely on Almunia after Lukasz Fabianski was recently ruled out after undergoing shoulder surgery earlier in the year, and has few options for an understudy should Alumina get injured.

An emergency loan may be an option if the situation worsens, but Wenger will be reluctant to add to his squad at such a late stage of the season and would require special permission from the Premier League. One possible option worth placing a free bet on is the recall of Vito Mannone, who is currently on loan at Hull.

His goalkeeping worries was just one of many headaches as Arsenal’s season, which threatened to end their six year trophy-less run, looks to be slowly coming undone. Having lost to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final last month, his side were dumped out of the Champions League last night by Barcelona having taken a 2-1 lead to the Nou Camp. Lionel Messi bagged a brace while Xavi rounded off a wonderful passing move to put the Gunners to the sword.

Free bets put them as underdog’s to succeed against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the next round of the FA Cup, and they currently lay three points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s side with a game in hand.

Sorensen in talks with Stoke over new deal

Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen is in talks with boss Tony Pulis over a contract extension to keep him at the club.

The Danish international moved to the club in 2022 and has played and established himself as their first choice keeper in their maiden season in the Premier League.

But he lost his starting place to Asmir Begovic and hasn’t played in the Premier League since October, but Pulis is keen to keep hold of the former Villa keeper. He said: We’re talking with Thomas now to try and get another contract sorted out,” Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke.

“He’s keen to get something done. We’ve spoken to his agent and the club will try and get something sorted out.”

The Potters can also call on the service of former Chelsea shot-stopper Carlo Nash.

Sorensen has played in the last four of Stoke’s FA Cup ties as he looks to fight his way back into the first team and Pulis is keen to keep the strength in depth that he currently has.

“We think we’ve got three good goalkeepers you know what goalkeepers are like, they love to stick together.” The Stoke boss commented.

“They’ve been competitive, obviously Thomas is disappointed at not playing, but the three of them are good for one another.”

Begovic looks set to keep hold of the number one jersey after an excellent performance against West Brom earlier in the week however,  Gordon Banks, who played in both England and Stoke football kits,  has been impressed with him so far this season.

“If he’s playing as well as this and he keeps on doing that, in two or three years’ time he will be something very special.”

“There’s some excellent goalkeepers around this country but if he keeps this standard up he’ll be up there with them, definitely.”

Shay Given’s ‘nearly-man’ tag looks set to stick

Matt Le Tissier is widely regarded as the most well known Premier League player whose loyalty to his beloved club as well as a lack of ambition cost him further honours both domestically and internationally that his talents perhaps deserved.

But goalkeeper Shay Given may well become the 21st century example if he looks back on his impressive but ultimately trophy less career in a few seasons time.

Irish international Given is set to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury and therefore it appears his brief flirtation with Manchester City is over.

The 34-year-old signed for the Blues in January 2023 with a desire to win trophies. At that stage Newcastle were on their way down to the Championship while City were busy collecting any player who commanded a sizeable transfer fee in order to demonstrate their new found financial strength.

Despite accusing the Magpies of not doing enough to keep him the Newcastle supporters wished Given well as he had given them 12 years loyal service and stuck with them through thick and thin in the hope they would win a trophy.

But in the end, with his years advancing, he took the gamble to jump ship to City. Unfortunately it hasn’t really worked.

Not only have City failed to win a trophy their spending should really command but Given is now second choice to Joe Hart, only making fleeting appearances in the cups this season. Plenty of people will be considering placing a football bet on City to win the FA Cup this season, but even if they do Given won’t be part of the team when it happens.

Goalkeepers can continue on until their late thirties or in Edwin Van Der Sar’s case into their forties so Given may still have time on his side. But his next move, possibly his last, is a critical one if he wants a few medals to with his vast collection of international caps. He needs to prove first that he is still good enough to compete at the top level – not easy from the substitute’s bench – as a drop down the divisions will all but signal an end to his hopes.

If he can then maybe he could end his career on a high and console himself with a quote linked to his nation’s most famous tipple: Good things come to those who wait.

Fergie on lookout for Van der Sar’s successor

Whoever is expected to fill the boots (or rather, gloves) of Edwin Van der Sar when he eventually hangs them up at the end of the current season, will have an absolutely mammoth task on their hands. The truth is that Peter Schmeichel has never truly been replaced in the eyes of many Manchester United supporters – but that’s not for a lack of trying: Bosnich, van der Gouw, Culkin, Taibi, Rachubka, Barthez, Goram, Caroll, Ricardo and Howard each tried to fill the void left by the “Great Dane”, but all were found wanting, in Taibi’s case comically so. Anyone looking to bet on Champions League football next season will know a replacement is needed and fast.

At the end of the season, Sir Alex Ferguson will once more charged with the impossible task of replacing an Old Trafford ghost – although he will know all too well that one cannot simply buy a readymade legend.

The prime candidates, certainly as far as the fans are concerned, appear to be either Pepe Reina at Liverpool, or Hugo Lloris at Lyon. Reina would of course be first choice – his Champions League, Premier League and international experience would be invaluable to the smooth transition into a side pushing for trophies on all fronts, but Ferguson must know that his chances of securing the Spaniard’s services from their most bitter of rivals would be somewhere between slim and none and the rumour mill suggests he’ll be staying put.

Lloris however, has all the experience without any of the animosity. He is the current Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year and has even captained France on occasion, but his reported £20-25m price-tag would certainly act as a barrier for any potential deal taking him to the English league, especially with FIFA’s Financial Fair-Play rules lurking.

However, At Elland Road, there plays an individual who certainly has the potential to emulate Peter Schmeichel – because he is his son. Kasper Schmiechel has enjoyed a fantastic run of form with the Championship side since leaving Notts County, and with a little patience and some experience at the highest level, there’s no doubt that he can take his old man’s place between the sticks at the Stretford end. The fans would love him, he would be affordable, and although he’d be a gamble, what a legacy for the retiring Ferguson to leave behind.

Reina hints at Anfield exit

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina has admitted he is tempted to leave Liverpool for their bitter rivals Manchester United at the end of the season.

Current United keeper Edwin Van Der Sar is set to retire at the end of the season and manager Sir Alex Ferguson will likely be in the market for a replacement. Sports betting markets have made Reina the favourite to replace the Dutch keeper, and Ferguson is a known admirer of his talents.

Having seen fellow Spanish international Fernando Torres leave the club during the transfer window, Reina admits he is far from happy at Anfield and is tempted by a move away from the club.

“Yes, well Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course they are looking,” Reina told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

“I can’t do anything. I can’t say anything logically as I have a contract with Liverpool.

“Of course one likes to fight for titles and be in a team that does that. We always fought to be in the Champions League and try to win the title.”

The Spanish goalkeeper has become disillusioned over the past two seasons at Liverpool as the club continue to struggle for a place in the Champions League. Having expressed a desire to compete in Europe’s top club competition again, Reina looks set to follow Torres out of the door this summer.

Goalkeeper worries the main flaw in Arsenal’s plan

Ask any Arsenal fan where they would most like Arsene Wenger to strengthen and I bet goalkeeper would be top of most of their lists.

The Gunners do have three keepers on their books – Manuel Almunia, Lukas Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny – but the first two have made big mistakes in key games (Fabianski most notably in the Champions league last season) and 20-year-old Szczesny is still inexperienced at this level.

Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer was heavily linked with the club over the summer and was believed to be close to sealing a move on transfer deadline day in August.

But Wenger’s well known reluctance to splash the cash meant a £3million transfer broke down and the Australian promptly signed a new contract with the Cottagers.

The failure to land Schwarzer irked the supporters, frustrated both at the club’s lack of trophies in recent years as well as Wenger’s refusal to spend money, even when the club is crying out for re-enforcements.

That decision has come into focus again with the news that Fabianski – who had established himself as number one – will miss the rest of the season following surgery on a shoulder injury.

Wenger has confirmed that rookie Szczesny will take Fabianski’s place but with two massive games against Barcelona in the Champions League coming up as well as crucial league matches; will the youngster be able to cope?

All too often in recent season’s Wenger’s young side have got themselves into decent positions both in league and cup but fallen down when it matters. The Champions League betting already indicated it would be hard enough for them to get past Barcelona, and their goalkeeping problems will only make things more tricky.

Many believe it is a lack of leadership and knowhow in the moments that matter that have cost them.

By going into the Barca game with a 20-year-old keeper, I fear the same is going to happen again.

Spurs in for Robinson

Tottenham Hotspur are rumoured to be interesting in re-signing goalkeeper Paul Robinson, two  and-a-half years after letting him leave for Blackburn. Robinson has turned in some impressive performances this season, most recently against West Brom, where he pulled off a string of impressive saves. He has helped his club move up to seventh in the Premier League

Tottenham’s current goalkeeping options are Huerelho Gomes and Carlo Cudicini, butbBoth have made high profile errors this season. Gomes was at fault for Manchester United’s second goal earlier in October, while Cudicini should have done better with Frabicio Coloccini’s goal for Newcastle in the 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Now Sky Sports reports that Harry Redknapp is interested in bringing Robinson back to the club after growing tired of Gomes’s liability to make errors in big games during his time at Spurs since signing from PSV Eindhoven in 2022.

However, those placing football bets believe that new Blackburn boss Steve Kean will be reluctant to lose his first choice goalkeeper having only recently taken over as manager of the club on a full time basis. Gomes is currently struggling with a minor injury, but is expected to be back in goal for Spurs for their upcoming FA Cup tie on Saturday against Fulham.

Tottenham currently lie in 5^th in the Premier League and are in with a distant shout of winning their first ever Premier League title, although their primary target will be securing a top four finish to ensure a place in the Champions League next season.

Spurs have set alight European football’s premier club competition this season, most notably with a spectacular 3-1 over the reigning European Champions Inter Milan. Punters interested in football betting have backed Spurs to repeat their heroics of last season and secure a respectable position in the league, although they are 80-1 outsiders to top the league come the end of the season.

The waiting is putting the strain on Arsenal

As they now head into a sixth consecutive year without a trophy Arsenal fans are getting increasingly restless.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been patiently waiting for Arsenal’s finances to recover following their multi-million pound move to the Emirates Stadium in 2020. But that has meant limited funds for players in order to balance the books and results have subsequently suffered.

The invincibles side of 2004 now feels like a distant dream to Gunners followers, who have seen their title rivals clean up ever since. As anyone who follows football live scores will tell you, a lack of a cutting edge has been to blame for the side’s failures.

Many appreciate and indeed admire boss Arsene Wenger’s stubborn refusal to put the club’s future in jeopardy by spending irresponsibly. But it is when they are repeatedly told that money is available but Wenger refuses to spend it that they let their frustrations boil over.

But with FIFA’s financial fair play rules set to come into force next season Arsenal appear best set out of any club in England. Wenger’s prudent approach means they continually turn a profit and soon will be able utilise the full money-spinning force of their 60,000 capacity stadium towards inward investment, rather than paying off debts like many of their rivals.

All this means little to the fans though, who have grown increasingly concerned at the club’s relative decline.  As promising as the future is, football is played here and now, and the fans crave success today.
Therefore the Carling Cup, despite being a much maligned competition, has taken on great importance for the Londoners.

A place in the last four of the Carling Cup against Ipswich and with Birmingham and West Ham in the other draw seems the ideal opportunity to break their duck and have something to cling onto before the FIFA financial revolution in a few years time.

It would also be a psychological boost by getting the increasingly heavy six-years-without-a-trophy millstone off their necks.

But in a performance typical of Wenger’s inconsistent young side they lost the first leg of the semi-final 1-0 to battling Ipswich Town this week. Although the result was a shock, anyone keeping an eye on the livescore wouldn’t have been too surprised by the way things turned out given the Gunners’ performance.

They are well capable of turning things around at the Emirates but a slow start and the nerves will creep in from fans to the players.

That step from nearly-men to champions is a small one but is often the hardest to make.

And for Arsenal that step is becoming increasingly harder to breach as each barren year rolls by.

Schmeichel’s class comes from the genes

Kasper Schmeichel once again showed his huge potential with another quality performance against the Arsenal attack in Leeds’ brave 3-1 loss in their FA Cup third round replay at a packed Elland Road. The comparisons between Kasper and dad Peter are pretty obvious; from the shock of blond hair, the constant ‘vocal encouragement’ towards defenders, the running up field in the last minute, all down to the sort of world class saves that make you drop your cup of tea. Read more

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