The Norway international made his debut against United
The Norway international made his debut against United (Picture: Getty Images)

Bernd Leno says Arsenal loan signing Martin Odegaard has already impressed his new team-mates and thinks supporters should be ‘very excited’ about what the midfielder has to offer.

Earlier this week, the Gunners completed a move to recruit the 22-year-old from Real Madrid on loan until the end of the season.

Odegaard found playing time hard to come by under Zinedine Zidane but will be expected to provide stiff competition for the likes of Emile Smith Rowe in Arsenal’s midfield.

Odegaard has already impressed in training, says Leno
Odegaard has already impressed in training, says Leno (Picture: Getty Images)

The Norway international made his debut for Mikel Arteta’s side in their 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, coming on as a substitute for Smith Rowe after 83 minutes.

Despite only arriving in north London a few days ago, Leno admitted Odegaard is already turning heads, and is expecting his creative abilities to be vital for the Gunners in the coming months.

‘I think we should all be very excited because he is an attacking midfield player who is turning, wants to go forward, wants to play passes and create chances and have assists,’ the German goalkeeper said.

‘In his first days he has been very impressive and has been very open to everyone, and I think we will have a lot of fun with him in the next months.’

Speaking before the United clash, Arteta already outlined the key factors that will decide if Arsenal sign Odegaard on a permanent deal when his loan spell expires.

‘He certainly has all the qualities and characteristics that we are looking for for that position,’ Arteta said.

‘Then it will be down to two things. First of all, how well he adapts here and how much of an impact he can have in our team. Secondly, what Real Madrid and the player think about it because he’s owned by Real Madrid and the player has a big say in that too.’

MORE : Luke Shaw slams ‘sloppy’ Man Utd performance against Arsenal

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Full Post Here - ‘Very excited’ – Bernd Leno makes prediction over Arsenal January loan signing Martin Odegaard
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Southampton v Liverpool - Premier League
Sadio Mane misses Liverpool’s trip to West Ham on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)

Sadio Mane is not inolved in Liverpool’s Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday afternoon after picking up an injury.

The 28-year-old has played in 19 of the Reds’ 20 Premier League contests this season, but is not fit enough to even make the substitutes’ bench in east Lonon.

The Liverpool Echo report that the Senegal international is suffering with a ‘minor muscle injury’ which is enough to keep him out of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

‘Happened in the game against Tottenham, a couple of days ago,’ Klopp told Sky Sports. ‘Nothing too serious but serious enough to not be involved today.’

How long this means Mane will be out for is not clear, but with games coming thick and fast, he could sit out more than just the trip to West Ham.

Liverpool host Brighton on Wednesday before a huge clash with Manchester City on Sunday 7 February, which Klopp will be desperate to have Mane back for.

Mane ha scored seven Premier League goals this season and was on the score sheet in the 3-1 win over Tottenham on Thursday.

In Mane’s absence, and with Roberto Firmino left on the bench, Mohamed Salah is joined by Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri in the front three against the Hammers.

Liverpool’s injury crisis at the back continues, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho all out, leaving Jordan Henderson and Nat Phillips filling in at centre-back.

Matip and Fabinho are not expected to be out for much longer, but Van Dijk and Gomez are due to miss the majority, if not the entire season.

Naby Keita is also out injured, and with Fabinho missing, the midfield three against West Ham will be Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara.

MORE : Mikel Arteta gives latest on Shkodran Mustafi’s Arsenal future amid shock Liverpool pursuit

MORE : Tim Sherwood suggests Liverpool make £100m bid to sign Leicester star Wesley Fofana

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Full Post Here - Sadio Mane misses Liverpool’s trip to West Ham with muscle injury
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Sadio Mane misses Liverpool’s trip to West Ham with muscle injury

Sadio Mane misses Liverpool’s trip to West Ham on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images) Sadio Mane is not inolved in Liverpool’s Premier Le...
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Thomas Tuchel, Manager of Chelsea speaks to the media ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge on January 31, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.
Tuchel was happy with the win (Picture: Getty)

Thomas Tuchel will have been ‘delighted’ with the performance of Callum Hudson-Odoi in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Burnley.

That’s the view of Glenn Hoddle who thinks the 20-year-old England international is thriving in the wing-back role under Chelsea’s new manager.

Hudson-Odoi provided an assist for Cesar Azpilicueta as the Spanish defender opened the scoring and hit the post before Marcos Alonso wrapped up all three points for the Blues.

It was Tuchel’s first win as Chelsea manager and Hoddle thinks Hudson-Odoi will have particularly caught his eye.

‘I think this wing-back role, the system actually suits him,’ Hoddle told BT Sport. He likes to be wide. He likes to stay wide and hug the line.

‘The Chelsea players, midfield players particularly on the diagonals, were finding him much easier today than they were against Wednesday. He’s always wide.

English former footballer and manager Glenn Hoddle talks to the media during his visit to the Southampton fanzone during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at Westquay on June 14, 2019 in Southampton, England.
Hoddle was impressed with Hudson-Odoi (Picture: ICC via Getty Images)

‘It was intelligent play for the (first) goal, he’s drawn him in, created the space for Azpilicueta and laid it on a plate after really aggressive play.

‘All the positive things down this right-hand side came from Hudson-Odoi. He’s got to be delighted with his performance and his manager certainly will be.

‘I’m just wondering if he took him off to see Reece James but maybe to save him a bit so he doesn’t get injured [for the Spurs game].’

Tuchel was indeed happy with Hudson-Odoi’s contribution but called for him to ‘work on’ his timing when attacking.

‘I thought that [the role] maybe suits for him because he can play from the line and he can use his speed and acceleration,’ Tuchel told BT Sport after the match.

‘He also loves to come from the left side. I can see from his ability there.

‘We have to work a bit on his timing but he is also a threat with his speed and his capacity.

‘Today is also a lot to defend because of the long balls. Azpi needed his help on his side and he did, again, very, very well.’

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Glenn Hoddle says Thomas Tuchel will be ‘delighted’ with Callum Hudson-Odoi vs Burnley

Tuchel was happy with the win (Picture: Getty) Thomas Tuchel will have been ‘delighted’ with the performance of Callum Hudson-Odoi i...
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Paul Scholes believes Manchester United should have beaten Arsenal (Picture: DAZN)

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says his former side could live to regret not getting all three points against a ‘bang average’ Arsenal team.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side lost further ground in the title race with a 0-0 draw at the Emirates, which was particularly costly given it came on the back of a shock 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United last Wednesday.

Arsenal were without Kieran Tierney, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka against the Red Devils and United squandered the best chances on the night to grab all three points, with Edinson Cavani failing to convert two golden opportunities.

The draw means United are three points behind leaders Manchester City having played a game more and Scholes says the Red Devils most show more ‘bottle’ to beat a team of Arsenal’s standing, who he described as ‘bang average’.

Manchester United v Sheffield United - Premier League
Solskjaer’s side have taken just one point from the last six available (Picture: Getty)

‘Did United do enough to win the game? I don’t think they did,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions.

‘Two games ago United go top of the league and everyone is talking about them possibly going on to win the game but I didn’t see the desperation of a team wanting to win a game to go on to win the league.

‘This is not a great Arsenal team, this is a bang average Arsenal team. United they need to start winning these games. If they have aspirations of winning the league they have to start winning big games at some point. They can’t do it.

‘If you’re not winning these big games and then you’re not winning the games against Sheffield United that’s when you’re really struggling.

‘They’ve got to start showing some bottle and some real belief that they can go to these big games – whether it’s home or away – you think of the four semi-finals which are big games [and] they lost them all. There must be some sort of mental block there that they have to get rid of.’

Arsenal’s draw means the Gunners are unbeaten in the Premier League since a 2-1 defeat to Everton before Christmas.

That run has helped the Gunners into 10th place in a congested Premier League table and they’re now within sight of the top four given they’re six points off champions Liverpool.

The Gunners take on Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday before travelling to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on the weekend.

MORE : Thomas Tuchel fires warning to failing Chelsea forwards after Burnley win


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Paul Scholes believes Manchester United should have beaten Arsenal (Picture: DAZN) Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says his fo...
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Chelsea v Burnley - Premier League
Timo Werner and Kai Havertz went another game without scoring on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel says his Chelsea forwards should be taking heed of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso after the defenders scored in the 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

The two Spanish defenders were on the score sheet as Tuchel picked up his first victory as Blues boss.

Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner started the match, while Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz came on, but it was the veteran defenders that stole the headlines.

Summer signings Werner and Havertz have been really struggling to find the back of the net of late and Tuchel feels his defenders have sent a messasge to them as he identifies what his forwards have been struggling with.

‘It should be a signal to our guys up front that we needed two defensive players to score,’ said the Chelsea manager.

‘We lack, in this moment, precision in the last pass, we lack precision in the last touch, in the finishing.

‘We will work on this, absolutely, because we had a lot of touches in the box, a lot of half chances, a lot of deliveries.

‘But in the end I cannot care less than we scored with Azpi and Marcos and in the end had a deserved win.’

Werner was clearly struggling for confidence against the Clarets, offering very little and missing a very good chance in the first half when he failed to make contact with the ball.

Tuchel is relaxed about the situation and feels it is normal for strikers to go through a confidence crisis, but expects the Germany international to come through it.

‘We cannot expect that it changes from one minute to another and one day to the other,’ Tuchel said of Werner’s struggles.

‘He’s not the only striker in the world that’s very sensitive when he does not score and he misses the feeling of scoring, no talks, no hugs no warm words can make up for this feeling.

‘That’s why maybe we need a stupid goal, a deflection, a silly goal for him that opens up this last percentage.

‘As long as the guys work, are reliable in their positions and work rate for the team, then we will push them.’

Tuchel added that the team did not help Werner to play to his strengths, with Burnley making it very difficult to hit them on the counter-attack.

‘We missed some chances to use him in counter-attacks which is his strength, we have to also improve that,’ he said. ‘At the same time, I think he was confident to play but that is not something you can demand.

Chelsea climbed to seventh in the table with the dominant victory over Burnley as they hunt down a Champions League place.

MORE : Thomas Tuchel explains decision to drop Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea squad to face Burnley

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Callum Hudson-Odoi of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.
Hudson-Odoi impressed for Chelsea (Picture: AMA/Getty)

Thomas Tuchel thought Callum Hudson-Odoi did ‘very, very well’ in his defensive duties in a 2-0 win over Burnley but still thinks there is one aspect of his attacking that he needs to ‘work on’.

Tuchel has deployed the 20-year-old England international in a wing-back role in both of his opening games in charge of Chelsea.

Hudson-Odoi was a thorn in the side of the Burnley defence. He provided an assist for Cesar Azpilicueta and hit the post himself in an impressive display.

Tuchel thought he also performed excellently in the air, dealing with long balls from Sean Dyche’s side, and thinks he will be capable of playing on both wings to provide threat with his ‘speed and acceleration’.

However, the one aspect he wants him to ‘work on’ is his timing when he joins attacks.

‘I thought that [the role] maybe suits for him because he can play from the line and he can use his speed and acceleration,’ Tuchel told BT Sport after the match.

Chelsea's German head coach Thomas Tuchel celebrates after Chelsea's Spanish defender Marcos Alonso (unseen) scored his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Burnley at Stamford Bridge in London on January 31, 2021.
Tuchel was pleased with Hudson-Odoi (Picture: AFP via Getty)

‘He also loves to come from the left side. I can see from his ability there.

‘We have to work a bit on his timing but he is also a threat with his speed and his capacity.

‘Today is also a lot to defend because of the long balls. Azpi needed his help on his side and he did, again, very, very well.’

Marcos Alonso was the other player to get on the scoresheet for the Blues in what was a comfortable win.

Burnley rarely ventured into the Chelsea area and Edouard Mendy had a quiet afternoon in goal.

The result lifts Tuchel’s side up to seventh in the table, although they have played two games more than the two sides directly below them, Aston Villa and Everton.

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Full Post Here - Thomas Tuchel reveals what Callum Hudson-Odoi needs to ‘work on’ after Chelsea win over Burnley
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Thomas Tuchel reveals what Callum Hudson-Odoi needs to ‘work on’ after Chelsea win over Burnley

Hudson-Odoi impressed for Chelsea (Picture: AMA/Getty) Thomas Tuchel thought Callum Hudson-Odoi did ‘very, very well’ in his defensi...
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Arsenal Training Session
Shkodran Mustafi has been linked with a move to Anfield (Picture: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta says that talks are ongoing with Shkodran Mustafi about his Arsenal future, with Liverpool credited with an interest in the out-of-favour centre-back.

The 28-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, all coming from the bench, and with his contract expiring in the summer there is a chance that he will move on before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Reports suggest that Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in the German defender to aid their injury crisis at centre-back.

The Reds are without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez for the majority of the season, while Joel Matip and Fabinho are also out injured at the moment.

Jurgen Klopp is considering bringing in his fellow German, with the possibility that he could be available on a free transfer with his contract cancelled, and Arteta confirms that discussions are ongoing.

‘Well there are some conversations going on at the moment,’ said Arteta. ‘I spoke with all the players about their own situation because they are all aware of the minutes they’re playing and they want to improve their situation.

‘I am willing to help them, some of them, and the club is willing to help them and we are going to try a solution at the end but I don’t know if that’s going to be the case or not.’

Arsenal are thought to be open to Mustafi leaving and removing his substantial salary from their wage bill, while Liverpool see the experienced defender as an appealing short-term option.

Speaking about his hunt for a new centre-back, Klopp said: ‘We see the situation. We lost probably two of the best centre-halves in the whole market in a period of six or seven weeks. For the whole season. That’s massive.

‘And then the winter transfer market opens and everyone says, “Now you can do something”. We try. We see the situation. We don’t close our eyes.’

MORE : Luke Shaw slams ‘sloppy’ Man Utd performance against Arsenal

MORE : William Saliba admits he was ‘hurt’ by Mikel Arteta’s treatment at Arsenal

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Full Post Here - Mikel Arteta gives latest on Shkodran Mustafi’s Arsenal future amid shock Liverpool pursuit
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Mikel Arteta gives latest on Shkodran Mustafi’s Arsenal future amid shock Liverpool pursuit

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Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League
Bruno Fernandes was furious after Manchester United’s draw to Arsenal (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes couldn’t hide his disgust as Manchester United dropped further points in the title race following a draw with Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.

United had the better opportunities in north London but they failed to score past the Gunners for a third consecutive match.

The draw was particularly costly as it followed a shock 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United just 72 hours earlier and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side now trail leaders Manchester City by three points having played a game more.

Fernandes, 26, has inspired United to greater heights since his £47million arrival from Sporting Lisbon 12 months ago but he cut a frustrated figure at the Emirates and he clashed with compatriot Cedric in the first half.

The Portuguese playmaker was then fortunate to stay on the field as he stamped on Granit Xhaka’s ankle.

But it was more dropped points that really angered Fernandes and the midfielder was visibly furious at the full-time whistle.

While the remaining 21 players on the field made their way to one another to shake hands, Fernandes instantly made his way for the tunnel and was seen throwing his hands in the air as he departed the field.

Fernandes threw his hands in the air on the full-time whistle (Picture: DAZN)
Fernandes walked straight through the path of Solskjaer and Arteta (Picture: DAZN)
Fernandes headed down the tunnel as the remaining players embraced one another (Picture: DAZN)

Fernandes walked directly through the path of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta, who were making their way to one another after the 0-0 draw.

The former Sporting Lisbon star has transformed United’s mentality since his arrival but he’s been particularly tetchy in recent weeks as he’s suffered – from his own high standards – a slump in form.

Fernandes was furious when he was taken off in the 89th minute in a 2-1 win against Fulham earlier this month, while Solskjaer admitted the midfielder was far from pleased after he was informed that he would be ‘rested’ for the FA Cup clash against Liverpool.

United take on Southampton in mid-week, where Solskjaer’s side need to get back to winning ways if they have any chance of ending their eight-year wait for the title.

Solskjaer is likely to freshen up the side, with Mason Greenwood, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic in line to come into the starting XI.

MORE : Luke Shaw slams ‘sloppy’ Man Utd performance against Arsenal


Full Post Here - Bruno Fernandes blanked Arsenal players by storming off the pitch after Manchester United’s draw at the Emirates
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Bruno Fernandes blanked Arsenal players by storming off the pitch after Manchester United’s draw at the Emirates

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Manchester United v Sheffield United - Premier League
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer endured a frustrating time on Saturday night (Picture: Getty Images)

Luke Shaw feels Manchester United wasted an opportunity to beat Arsenal on Saturday with a ‘sloppy’ performance in north London.

The Gunners and the Red Devils played out a goalless draw at the Emirates in a game to forget for those watching on.

United stay second in the table with the point, but are three points behind Manchester City, with the league leaders holding a game in hand over their local rivals.

United dominated possession, but could not convert that into a win and Shaw was left frustrated after the match.

‘[It’s] two points dropped I feel,’ said Shaw. ‘I felt we were in control, Arsenal had a spell but we were comfortable and had countless massive chances we haven’t taken. It would have been a brilliant result winning here, we have to be winning these games.

‘The chances we had, I don’t think it’s acceptable to come away with a point – I haven’t been in the changing room yet but I’m sure the lads will be disappointed.

Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League
Luke Shaw was disappointed not to come away with three points from the Arsenal clash (Picture: Getty Images)

‘At times we were too slow. Second half we were sloppy and gave the ball away. We didn’t look like we wanted to play. We created the chances and failed to score again and it cost us two points.

‘We dropped points in midweek and again here. If we want to be in the title race we have to be winning these games. I don’t know what more to say.’

While Shaw was left wanting more, United goalkeeper David De Gea picked out the left-back as the team’s star performer, not just on Saturday but in recent weeks.

‘He’s a big weapon for us,’ said the Spaniard. ‘I think the last few games he’s played he’s been playing really well.

‘He’s a very important player for us and when he’s fit and playing at 100 per cent I think he makes this team better.’

MORE : Thomas Tuchel explains decision to drop Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea squad to face Burnley

MORE : Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fires warning to Bruno Fernandes after Arsenal draw

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Full Post Here - Luke Shaw slams ‘sloppy’ Man Utd performance against Arsenal
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Luke Shaw slams ‘sloppy’ Man Utd performance against Arsenal

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