FA charges Wenger for blasting referee
times Chelsea have won at The Emirates Stadium, the most across all competitions along with Manchester United LONDON: The English Football Association charged Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Tuesday for comments to match officials after the 1-1 Premier League draw at West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Eve.
“It is alleged his language and/ or behaviour in the match officials’ changing room after the game was abusive and/or improper and/or questioned the integrity of the match referee,” the FA said in a statement.
Wenger has until Friday to five goals past Stoke City in their last game, there can be a few questions raised regarding their frontline given that
(10 have been a stellar unit at the back and have conceded only 14 goals in the league — second-best behind Manchester City.
be no complaints about the quality of and Alexis Sanchez, Wenger’s decision to hold on to them has probably cost the team more than the points earned. worst record in terms of goals conceded in the top-seven in the Premier League this season. blamed on Wenger’s red cards have been issued in the last seven games between the two sides respond to the charge.
The Frenchman was handed a four-match ban for misconduct last January for pushing the fourth official after his team’s 2-1 win over Burnley.
Sunday had seen Wenger surpass former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson’s Premier League record with his 811th game in charge at one team, but that was soured by the outcome.
Dean awarded an 89th minute penalty after Calum Chambers was adjudged to have handled in the area, with Jay Rodriguez converting to deny Arsenal victory and provoke a furious reaction. goals in the league) has been the only constant threat. has found the net just twice in the last seven games.
sitting back defending, the significant contribution that Azpilicueta and Alonso have had upfront has made them a lethal outfit.
to leave the club soon and the air surrounding the rumours and their lack of commitement haven’t really helped in keeping the core of the club intact. style of play, which allows his midfielders to run up towards the far-end of the pitch to help the strikers, thus being vulnerable to counter-attacks. London derbies Chelsea have lost this season (against
Crystal Palace and West Ham)
‘TRANSFERS TO DEPEND ON KEY PLAYERS’ PACTS’
LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the Premier League club’s transfer activity in the January window will be dictated by the contract situations of key players and injuries to his current squad.
Forward Alexis Sanchez and midfielders Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere will be out of contract in June and while the England international is keen to stay at Arsenal, both Sanchez and Ozil look unlikely to sign new deals to stay at the Emirates.
“We are open in any position for the exceptional player who can give us a plus,” Wenger told a news conference on Tuesday.
“It depends a little bit on the injuries as well and, on the other hand, I must say it depends on who will manage to extend the contracts of the players who are on the end of their contracts in June. We will have to take the consequences of these decisions and respond to them.
“We have not lost anybody yet and, secondly, we will respond to that by bringing in players of top quality. We have not been contacted by anybody (about Sanchez or Ozil),” Wenger added.
Manchester United snapped a run of three straight draws by winning 2-0 at Everton on Monday with sweetly struck second-half goals by Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard which saw them climb to second in the Premier League.
Martial curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the area in the 57th minute after impressive play from Paul Pogba as Jose Mourinho’s stuttering side finally came alive after the break following an uninspiring first-half display.
Lingard sealed the win in the 81st, cutting in from the left wing and sending the ball fizzing over goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to score his seventh league goal of the season, making him United’s second top scorer.
JOSE HITS BACK AT SCHOLES OVER POGBA
LIVERPOOL: Jose Mourinho lashed out at Manchester United great Paul Scholes on Monday after the former player’s recent criticism of Paul Pogba and said the France midfielder always gives everything even if it does not always pay dividends.
“Paul tries to do his best all the time and sometimes he plays very well, sometimes he plays well, sometimes he doesn’t play so well, but it’s not Paul’s fault that hemakesmuchmoremoneythan Paul Scholes,” Mourinho told a news conference.
“It’s not Paul Pogba’s fault, it’s just the way football is but I think Scholes will go down in history as a phenomenal player, but not as a pundit. He doesn’t make comments, he only criticises.”
LUKAKU SET TO RETURN FOR FA CUP OPENER
MANCHESTER: Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku could return to action for the club’s opening FA Cup fixture at home against Derby County on Friday.
Lukaku missed United’s 2-0 league win at Everton on Monday after sustaining a head injury during last weekend’s goalless draw with Southampton, but Jose Mourinho said his top scorer had not suffered a concussion and would make a quick return.