Sir Alex Ferguson insisted he is not worried by Manchester United’s defensive frailties at the start of the season, Sky Sports reports.
Manchester United secured a tense 3-2 victory at newly-promoted Southampton yesterday, thanks to a hat-trick from Robin van Persie.
But the win was not without its hairy moments, as United conceded two goals through headers from back-post crosses.
“Everything we did in preparation for the game has all been to deal with back-post crosses and they scored two goals off them so that was disappointing.
“But credit to Southampton they are good at it,” Ferguson admitted.
The Red Devils have had a number of key defensive personnel out through injury, with Johnny Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones starting the season on the treatment table.
Ferguson was keen to highlight the problem after what was a tough game for his side: “This season we’ve had four centre-backs injured for the first game. Carrick has played centre-back at Everton and we’ve had Valencia at right-back.
“If we get the centre-backs back that’ll give us a really good chance.”
But the situation is improving for United with Ferdinand making his return to the side yesterday, while Evans is now available for selection.
The return of Ferdinand alongside Vidic would have been a welcome sight for United, although the way in which Rickie Lambert consistently caused problems for the duo means it will take some time for them to re-form their partnership.
The introduction of Paul Scholes was however, the difference. The influence of Scholes was evident, as he was given time and space to find the likes of van Persie and Javier Hernandez, create havoc in the Saints defence.
“His vision and consistency of passing gave us complete control of the game,” said Ferguson.
The performance of van Persie was also a major plus for United, with the Dutchman now scoring four goals in two starts for the club.
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Although he could have easily ruined Sir Alex’s 1,000th League match in charge after taking a soft penalty at 2-1, which Kelvin Davies managed to save easily.
But his two goals in the final five minutes of the match showed his class and typified a classic United comeback.
There is something of a symmetry about Arsene Wenger leaving Arsenal just as their bitter North London rivals Tottenham embark on the very project that hamstrung the Frenchman’s ability to provide success for so long; moving to a brand-new stadium.
There were years of austerity at the Arsenal for an extended period following the move to the Emirates Stadium; leaving the Gunners unable to mount a real title challenge and forced to sell their best players due to the greater financial packages and trophy aspirations on offer elsewhere.
That may leave Wenger uniquely qualified to comment on the challenges of keeping a North London side competitive while overseeing a stadium move and he commented that Spurs may be forced to sell Harry Kane to fund the new arena ahead of his final game at the helm of Arsenal.
We asked you whether there were any weight in Wenger’s argument but the response was fairly conclusive.
81 per cent of Spurs fans feel that they can afford their new home without the sale of the talismanic Kane and you can check out the full results of the poll below…
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West Ham may be in the early stages of a new era, with a new manager, new style of play and bunch of exciting new players. But there still remains a sense of familiarity in east London.
The Hammers have made hard work of their Europa League qualifying rounds thus far, and they’ve been less than convincing in their friendlies. New boss Slaven Bilic was never going to come in and get instant results from a group of players so used to playing hoof ball over the last four years, but some fans are already growing frustrated with the fact that they’re having to worry about a third qualifying round second leg trip to Romania on Thursday. Just how has it come to this already?
One thing that appears to have remained from previous eras is the Hammers’ rotten luck with injuries. A season rarely passes without the Irons losing a key man to a long term lay off. Last year, injuries to the likes of Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho, Alex Song and Andy Carroll arguably prevented the east Londoners from keeping up their early season flirtation with a top six finish – they ended up in 12th.
And just a month in to their new season (the Europa League qualifiers started on July 3rd), they’ve already lost Enner Valencia for up to three months with a knee/ankle injury, while Andy Carroll isn’t scheduled in for a return to action until October. This leaves Slaven Bilic with just Diafra Sakho, Mauro Zarate and young Elliott Lee for options up front, which isn’t ideal when you’re faced with a Europa League schedule and an opening day Premier League meeting with Arsenal.
So it’s no surprise to learn that buying at least one goal scorer is Bilic’s main priority this month, as well as adding some extra strength to other areas in the squad.
So we asked Hammers fans to vote for the players they want signed the most before the summer transfer window slams shut. The results, unsurprisingly, aren’t exactly unexpected. Though they are very much on the cards to becoming reality if reports are to be believed.
Here’s the top five players Hammers fans are crying out for this month…
5. Moussa Sow
The Senegal international has been linked with a move to the Boleyn Ground, even before Enner Valencia’s injury last Thursday.
The Fenerbahce striker’s first team opportunities in Istanbul have been limited since the arrival of Robin van Persie and Hammers boss Slaven Bilic has reportedly identified him as the ideal man to come in and score some goals.
Bilic will know all about Sow’s ability from his time managing in Turkey with Besiktas and will no doubt have in mind the fact Sow has played alongside star striker Sakho for the national team, eliminating any fears of the two strikers failing to develop an understanding.
The fans also appear to have identified the pros of bringing Sow to the club, with 263 fans giving him a thumbs up in our poll.
4. Alex Song
Alex Song’s loan switch to West Ham raised eyebrows all over Europe last summer, and it wasn’t a surprise when the midfielder hit the ground running and bossed the Hammers’ midfielder during the opening half of the season. He was a key part of the side that occupied a top four spot over Christmas.
West Ham have made it no secret that they want to sign Song permanently this summer and with negotiations with Barcelona ongoing recent reports claim a deal is pretty close to being agreed.
With a Europa League schedule to negotiate alongside a league campaign, strength in depth will be vital for Bilic, and having an experienced midfielder like Song to call upon could prove vital for the Croat.
And West Ham fans are hopeful that Song will be donning the famous claret and blue next season, with a huge 342 giving him a big thumbs up.
3. Charlie Austin
Despite suffering relegation with QPR last season, Charlie Austin remains a much sought after striker who has been linked with the likes of West Ham and Newcastle this summer.
That’s partly down to Austin’s impressive tally of 20 Premier League goals last term, which ultimately proved that he’s a top flight striker and one that needs to continue playing at the level in order to boost his chances for England.
QPR are stubbornly holding out for £15million for Austin’s services and both the Hammers and Steve McClaren’s Newcastle have baulked at such a hefty price tag for a player with just a year remaining on his Loftus Road contract.
However, the Hammers claim to still have money in the bank for further reinforcements and despite trying to sweeten up the west London club with a £12million offer plus Matt Jarvis, may eventually give in and stump up the full asking price.
The Hammers faithful appear to be desperate for their club’s owners to do just that, with many on Twitter tweeting David Gold and demanding he does all he can to get Austin in claret and blue before the window shuts.
That’s reflected by the fact 360 fans voted him in as their third most wanted signing this month.
2. Javier Hernandez
Javier Hernandez’s Manchester United future looks to be in the balance after his unsuccessful loan spell with Real Madrid last term.
Old Trafford chief Louis Van Gaal hinted earlier this summer that Chicharito still has a part to play for the Red Devils, but you’d expect the Dutch boss to cash in if the right offer is put on the table for the Mexico international.
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Tottenham are also thought to be eyeing a move for the striker, but reports this morning claim the Hammers have made an offer of almost £12m to tempt United in to selling.
There’s no doubting how much of a coup a signing like this would be for West Ham, and it would certainly signal their ambition of reaching the proverbial ‘next level.’
Just the fact the Hammers have been mentioned in the same sentence as the striker this summer has had the fans excited, and 413 Irons fans who took our poll voted him in as a player they really want to see signed before the end of the window.
1. Alen Halilovic
The Croation wonder kid has previously been labelled ‘the next Luka Modric,’ which means his reported imminent switch to the Boleyn Ground is a surprise to everyone across Europe.
The Barcelona midfielder wants to be playing regularly and the Catalan giants look like they’re going to let him leave the Nou Camp this summer in order to fulfil his needs. Compatriot Slaven Bilic is an admirer of Halilovic and looks to have moved quickly to get his man before anyone else hears of his availability.
West Ham have already signed midfielders Pedro Obiang, Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini this summer but would have been mental to pass up the chance to sign Halilivic for just £5m, which is the fee they are reportedly paying Barcelona for his services.
So it’s no surprise 475 West Ham fans voted him in as the number one player they want to see in claret and blue by the end of the month. And if today’s reports are to be believed, they won’t have to wait too long – a deal is expected to go though by the end of this week!
Liverpool are set to go head-to-head with local rivals Everton in the race for Wigan striker Arouna Kone, according to reports from The Metro.
The Ivorian was one of the Latics’ main stars last term, turning in a number of impressive displays to help them claim the FA Cup.
However, he could not steer them clear of relegation, and, as a result, is said to be keen to move on.
Roberto Martinez was said to be hopeful of tempting the 29-year-old to follow him to Goodison Park, but the Spaniard will have to fend off interest from Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
The Reds are said to be in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer, with the future of star striker Luis Suarez far from certain.
Brendan Rodgers is thought to see Kone as an ideal candidate to add another dimension to his front-line, and is keen to press ahead with a cut-price move.
The Wigan star is said to have a £6.5m release clause in his contract, a figure that the Anfield giants could easily match.
Liverpool are reportedly close to completing a move for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas, but Rodgers is still keen on Kone due to his knowledge of the English top flight.
Liverpool fans, is Arouna Kone the man you want? Or should Brendan Rodgers be looking at bigger names?
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West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce admits he was disappointed with the lack of defensive quality his side showed in their 9-0 Capital One Cup Semi-Final aggregate loss to Manchester City.
The Hammers succumbed to a record League Cup Semi-Final loss at the hands of Manuel Pellegrini’s goal-hungry City after respective 6-0 and 3-0 defeats to heap more misery on their season.
And Allardyce admits believes his side didn’t give themselves much of a chance after some horror defending in both legs.
“City have scored 19 goals and conceded one to get to the final, which shows you the quality of their team, but I was a little disappointed with the way we conceded the goals,”Allardyce told whufc.com.
“We’ve got to protect our goal better and, while that might be harsh in this game, it’s about making sure we make teams work much harder for the goals that they score.
“Ultimately, if you give a team like this the chances we gave them, then they are going to punish you and they did.”
And Allardyce also bemoaned his side’s current shortage of luck after he felt Ravel Morrison should have been awarded a penalty in the second-half last night’s second leg at Upton Park.
“Of course, Rav should have had a penalty but the way it is for me, we aren’t going to get one even if one of their players punches one of our players in the face,” he added.
“Everything is conspiring against us, but we have to keep our heads up and play some of the football we played with an effective finish and be tighter at the back.”
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According to reports in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are still in the hunt to sign £4m-rated Carpi striker Jerry Mbakogu this summer, although perhaps they should be taking a look at an out-of-favour Spaniard in the Premier League instead.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Yorkshire Evening Post says that the Yorkshire outfit are considering making a move for Mbakogu at the end of the season after the 25-year-old finally secured Italian citizenship, giving the Nigerian centre-forward the right to move to England even though he has never been capped by the African country.
The Yorkshire Evening Post says that the Whites have been trailing the attacker since the summer and have first refusal on this summer, and it will be up to them to decide whether they do move for the £4m-rated man, or not.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United signed striker Joselu from Stoke City last summer, and while he was a regular starter in the first-half of the campaign, he has found first-team minutes harder to come by in 2018.
How has Joselu done overall this season?
Rafa Benitez brought the tall Spaniard to St James’ Park in order to get some goals and boost his side’s bid to preserve their Premier League status following their promotion from the Championship.
However, the 28-year-old regularly struggled in front of goal and has just four in 28 top flight appearances for the Magpies this term, with Dwight Gayle and loanee Islam Slimani above him in the pecking order in recent weeks.
Given his struggles, it would be no surprise if he was loaned out or sold at the end of the season.
[ad_pod ]
Should Leeds move for him?
They certainly should.
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Director of football Victor Orta should know his Spanish compatriot well, and while things perhaps haven’t worked out for him at St James’ Park, he could prove to be a huge hit in the Championship for the Whites.
The 28-year-old is 6ft 4in tall and decent in the air, while he has shown that he isn’t afraid to put a shift in for his team – something that hasn’t always been the case with loanee Pierre-Michel Lasogga, whom fans on Twitter are split on the long-term future of, this season.
The fact that they could potentially get him on loan or for a cut-price fee should be another added incentive for the Yorkshire side.
After a 4th placed finish, Manchester United will find themselves back in the Champions League next season – though they’ll have to win a playoff to reach the group stage proper.
With that in mind United will need to strengthen this summer, both because the strains of Europe will require reinforcements and because they’re still a work in progress.
Last season United looked good at times, but they didn’t score enough goals. And without David De Gea, they may have conceded too many as well.
If they’re to spend big this summer – and Van Gaal has a huge budget – this could be the team they line up with come September 1st.
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Hugo Lloris/Victor Valdes
It seems like David De Gea is on his way towards the exit door and seeking a move back to the Spanish capital. Most United fans might see their current goalkeeper as part of their dream XI, and perhaps he should be in there, but let’s be realistic. It looks like he’s leaving, and there are two good replacements for him here that won’t weaken the team too much, and may even give United a little extra money to spend in order to lure a big star somewhere else in the lineup.
Lloris is tried and tested in the Premier League, along with De Gea he was one of the best last season. He’s an excellent shot stopper but above all else, his sweeper-keeper abilities make him a great fit for Louis Van Gaal. The French captain won’t come cheap, however, and most of the money taken from any sale of De Gea might well be needed to tempt Tottenham into a sale.
The other option is Victor Valdes who is also tried and tested, however he hasn’t played much football in the last year and a bit. We don’t know how much of a gamble it would be to put him right into the side if De Gea were to leave, but everything that was said about Lloris is true about Valdes – we saw his shot stopping abilities first hand against Hull and his sweeper-keeper credentials are well-known. The plus side of Valdes is that he’d be free, freeing up £25m or so to spend on another player
Antonio Valencia
Full-backs first, and United have been playing Antonio Valencia here for much of the season. The Ecuadorian international has been in good form. We know all about his pace and strength, and he can put in a mean cross too. The beauty for United is that when they have so much of the ball, it’s counter attacks they have to worry about defending – they won’t have to worry about defending against teams who build sustained pressure. This means that the full back positions become less about defending and more about joining the attack, and Valencia can do that nicely.
When United do have to defend, they’ll be able to rely on his strength and speed to get back and help out with the counter attacks, but they won’t need to rely on his defensive capabilities quite so much. So although United might like to sign a right back, it’s not a huge priority.
Marcos Rojo is a capable deputy both for this position and for the centre back positions too.
Luke Shaw
United spent a lot of money on Shaw at the start of last season, and injury stopped him from making a big impact this season. The youngster did well, though, and he looks to have all the qualities necessary to become a top Premier League full back. Still only 19, Shaw has a lot to learn but the best way of teaching him is to give him game time.
But he makes the team on his own merits, he’s strong, he’s quick and is good with the ball at his feet. He can cross too and like Valencia, he can play in a system where he can get forward and chase back on the counter
Mats Hummels
Probably the biggest ‘will he, won’t he’ of the last few seasons, Mats Hummels is unceasingly linked with Manchester United and for good reason too – he’s a world class centre back, he’s big, strong, positionally aware. He is experienced, has a World Cup winners medal and a Champions League runners-up medal.
But the biggest reason United want him is his ability on the ball. He’s a cultured, classy defender who can pick a pass and keep possession. United need this kind of player to stop attacks and set up attacks of their own, but they can also use him as an out-ball when attacking. The perfect Van Gaal defender.
Raphael Varane
Another name touted with a move to United is Raphael Varane. It might be unlikely for United to pull off the transfers for both Varane and Hummels, but this is a dream XI we’re talking about here.
The young frenchman makes the team because of his ability on the ball and his ability to stand up to attackers and not dive into tackles. Varane is of a similar mould to Hummels, which perhaps makes their pairing unlikely, but given that both of these defenders are so highly thought-of around Europe United fans would surely love to see them both at their team.
More likely might be a move for either Varane or Hummels and pair the new signing with Phil Jones. Jones is more of a physical defender than Varane or Hummels, and the partnership of physicality and subtlety would make United fans reminisce about Ferdinand and Vidic. Who knows, maybe Jones would flourish playing alongside such a top class defender.
Michael Carrick
The lynchpin of Van Gaal’s team, United simply must keep Michael Carrick fit and on the pitch.
Whilst United’s attackers set up base camp outside the opposition 18-yard box and the full-backs bomb forward, Michael Carrick slots in between the two centre backs and creates a back three, leaving United less vulnerable to counter attacks. When he gets the ball he can be used as a pivot to vary the angle of attack or simply as an out-ball when United run out of ideas.
On the ball, Carrick is a maestro and can pick a pass as well as anyone in the Premier League. He is the most important player that Van Gaal has, not just because of how good his is, but because of the system that United use. Rooney sometimes plays here, but he just doesn’t have the range of passing, vision or composure that Carrick does. Very few do.
Carrick is United’s Pirlo, and they’ll need to make the most out of him while he’s still there.
Ander Herrera
Another great passer, Herrera is more adept at playing slightly further up the pitch. His range of passing is also wonderful and he popped up with a goal or two last season. Next season he’ll simply continue his role in the Manchester United midfield.
Marouane Fellaini/Angel Di Maria
This is a dream XI, so I don’t like to put in too many double choices, but sometimes it just depends on who the opposition is.
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Marouane Fellaini has been used this season as a midfield powerhouse cum aerial threat. Against the teams Van Gaal feels will sit back and defend deep, pace and guile seem less effective, and working the opportunity to play the ball in high to Fellaini will work better.
Against the teams where pace will yield better results, Angel Di Maria – assuming he stays – is a good player to have in this role. He’s a midfield scurrier these days, rather than an old fashioned winger, and with the arrival of Memphis Depay he doesn’t have the pressure of providing the pace and directness that United fans seem to look for from him. Di Maria’s job is to get around the midfield, get on the ball and make things happen, but that doesn’t mean setting up chances from the wings himself. Against teams where guile and subtlety will work, Di Maria is a great player to have in your side.
Wayne Rooney
There’s not much to say about Rooney, really. He’ll be given a role in Van Gaal’s team where he can get on the ball and pass, but we’ve seen all of last season that Rooney is at his most effective when he’s played up front. It might be the case that rather than going 4-3-3, United will look to put Rooney up as a second striker with Depay at the tip of a diamond who drifts into wider positions.
Memphis Depay
Depay is touted as a Di Maria replacement, but there’s still room for both players in Van Gaal’s team. The Dutch manager is unlikely to want to utilise both players as wingers – though he does have that option if the game calls for it – and Depay could be used as an all-purpose attacking midfielder, drifting wide or into the middle depending on where he can get space, pick up the ball and run at defenders. He also has a fierce shot and an eye for goal, as reflected in his 22 league goals last season – making him top scorer in Holland. He’ll give United a more direct threat.
Gonzalo Higuain
One of the best strikers in the world, Higuain is always linked with the world’s biggest clubs. This might just be the perfect time for United to tempt him to the Premier League.
Napoli have missed out on Champions League football for next season, and United are in the hat, but with the Old Trafford futures of Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao uncertain United could be looking for a new striker.
Higuain is strong and knows how to finish, he’d fit in perfectly not just to the Premier League, but also to Van Gaal’s system. Both these things are important, and could see Higuain hit the ground running at top speed.
Arsene Wenger says he needs to bring new players to Arsenal and has hinted a transfer spree could be on the cards.
The Gunners have now gone eight seasons without a trophy but following a strong end to the campaign that saw the club clinch Champions League football, optimism is high in the camp.
Wenger is looking to carry the momentum into next season but he also realises the squad needs new faces with a striker and central defender high on his wanted list.
Rumours have suggested Wenger could have as much as £70million to spend on new players and although the Frenchman is refusing to talk figures, he has hinted a spree could be on the cards.
“The last three months are a springboard for next season,” said Wenger. “We have to transfer that belief into the start of next season. We need stability and to strengthen. Is it spending a lot on one player or buying many players?
“We want additions but we want to keep the structure and spirit and quality of the team. Let’s not forget there are many clubs with big money and not enough talent to strengthen all the teams. But we will go out in a proactive way.”
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Former West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison has hinted on his official Instagram account that he would be keen to re-join the club in the future, and Irons fans would back a move for the player, who earned £15,000-a-week during his previous spell, according to the Daily Mail.
The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Mexican side Atlas from Italian giants Lazio as his colourful career continues, and he has scored two goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for the former this season, according to Transfermarkt.
Morrison was a controversial figure during his time at Upton Park and was repeatedly fined for misconduct, while his contract with them was terminated in 2015, after he had scored five goals in 24 outings in total for them.
West Ham supporters, who have taken to social media to give their thoughts on a rumoured move for Marouane Fellaini, have been quick to have their say on a potential return for Morrison via social media, and while one said “bring him home”, another said “I’d have him back tomorrow”.
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Twitter and footballers don’t always mix. Having 30,000 people hurl abuse at you for a designated ninety minutes each weekend is one thing; receiving updates from millions on a twenty-four-hour basis, describing why they hate you in intricate, precise and sometimes poetic detail, is another.
But one footballer, albeit now retired, who’s embraced his social media following is Crystal Palace and Arsenal hero Ian Wright. Upon reaching a whopping 1,000,000 followers on Twitter last month, the former striker felt compelled to give something back to his fans, and thus, #OneMoreGame was born.
To celebrate his milestone, the Gunners icon is returning to the pitch for one last outing – with some of his Twitter followers playing alongside him. And as if the occasion wasn’t already special for those fortunate enough to be selected, the match will be held at Wembley on Tuesday 21st of April, arranged by Ball Street and Vauxhall England.
As keen to tell us more about it as we were to pick the brains of a man who scored 113 Premier League goals and made Chicken Tonight a national sensation, Football Fancast met up with Wright at Ball Street’s media day for #OneMoreGame.
So why don’t you start telling us a bit about #OneMoreGame and where the idea came from?
Well, I was closing in on a million followers – and I never envisaged getting a million followers, especially when I started on Twitter.
As soon as you go on there, everybody’s just so abusive and it was really nasty. So I came off Twitter three times, but eventually I said ‘ you know what’ and just stayed on. When you start speaking to people you realise they’re writing nasty things but they’re not actually meaning it; they’re just saying it for the reaction. What I got in reply was a lot of; “Oh I didn’t think you’d answer, but I think you’re this and that and I think you’re a legend, sorry mate!”
So I stayed on and started getting towards a million followers, so I said Matt and the Ball Street guys that we should do something special – a million’s a pretty big number. The fans don’t get enough as it is. Everybody gets something out of the game at the moment – the players get money out of it, as do the managers and the media – except for the fans. They don’t get rewarded for their loyalty and their faith in their team, so I wanted to give the fans something. The opportunity to play at Wembley with me in my last game.
You can’t talk to Ian Wright about playing at Wembley and not mention the 1990 FA Cup final. You can’t even say the word Wembley without wanting to bring it up. It was the elephant in the room, the rugby ball in the onion bag, so we nudged the Eagles icon in the right direction. What are your memories of playing at Wembley?
I was very, very fortunate to win medals, win the Premier League and win the FA Cup a couple of times, but when you boil it down, my greatest memory would be the time I went with Crystal Palace. Simply because we were the underdogs. It was a great occasion for the club, and you can’t say whether or not Crystal Palace are going to go back there again at some stage, so it was almost like a once in a life time thing.
And to get there. I broke my leg twice that season, and we beat Liverpool 4-3 in the semi-finals after losing to them 9-0 earlier in the season. I missed that one and thought I was going to miss the final as well because of the leg, but I ended up getting on, scoring twice and being seven minutes away from winning it. It was my greatest moment in football – especially the first goal. It brought me to the public consciousness and that’s when things really started to happen for me.
Compared to a final in which he etched his name in footballing folk law by scoring twice from the bench, only going on to lose in the replay to Manchester United, the 1998 FA Cup final was a complete contrast. In his last act as an Arsenal player, Wright was an unused substitute as the Gunners beat Newcastle 2-0. Do you feel like there’s unfinished business for you at Wembley?
Not really, not in that particular instance. It was really strange because Arsene Wenger, you see he’s very football minded, he’s very disciplined in his thoughts. So in the evening, when we were at the dinner, he came and apologised for not bringing me on, simply because he was so wrapped up in it all.
It didn’t bother me. I think a lot of Arsenal fans were saying ‘Oh I’d love Ian Wright to come on’. I warmed up a couple of times and started to realise I wasn’t going to come on. But it was fine, because I’d had a lot of injuries that season and I’d just come back, so Arsene Wenger himself apologising was more than enough for me. And the times we did win it were magnificent. I always wanted an FA Cup final winning medial because that was the game I used to watch as a child. Growing up it was the game I always wanted to play in.
The #OneMoreGame campaign gave us the perfect opportunity to test Wright at Football Fancast’s world-famous (totally not a rip off of one-to-eleven) segment Fantasy Five-Aside – previously challenged by such footballing dignitaries as Chris Waddle, Jeff Stelling and Ray Parlour.
OK Ian, Chris Waddle, Jeff Stelling and Ray Parlour all had absolutely fantastic teams so no pressure. The first player is the greatest player you’ve ever played alongside.
Dennis Bergkamp.
And the second is the greatest you’ve played against.
Zinedine Zidane.
Your footballing role model growing up for No.3?
I think I’d have to give it to Kevin Keegan, he was the one I thought about a lot when I was a kid.
Somebody playing now you wish you could’ve played with?
In world football? I’ll take Messi. I’d love to play with Messi.
Wouldn’t we all. And finally, any goalkeeper.
See, David Seaman’s amazing. I have to go with David Seaman.
Wright famously turned professional later than most footballers, aged 22, after a Crystal Palace scout noticed him scoring for fun at Greenwich Borough. It’s an unusual route to the top, especially in the Premier League era. Is there a stigmatism stopping amateurs getting those chances today? The idea that if you’re that good, you would’ve been noticed already?
No, simply because people like Rickie Lambert have recently done it as well – I guess I’ve done it and Les Ferdinand did it too. I think if you’re good enough you will be found. Obviously you want to be found as soon as you possibly can but sometimes people go through their young stage, the teens, and it just doesn’t happen because they’re not developed enough. Even up to 18 or 19, I still wasn’t of the stature I was when I eventually signed for Palace.
What do you think the biggest difference is between your generation of footballers and the current one? Both on and off the pitch?
I think they’re under a lot more pressure, on and off the pitch, than we were. There’s a lot more playacting, which is quite frustrating, and they’re much more scrutinised off the pitch – I think it was just starting around my time.
But I must admit they do look more finely tuned. Obviously, you have to be really fit – and we were really fit – but with all the nutrition and the different techniques of warming up and training, they do look more finely tuned, more sharp. There’s a lot more injures now but maybe that’s because they are so finely tuned. Also the game has got a lot quicker – it seems like it’s got a lot quicker anyway!
Do you think you’d make the current Arsenal team then?
This current one? I like to think I could make that team, yeah.
So you’ve stood the test of time?
If we’re talking about The Invincibles, in and around that time, I’m not sure. But after that, after Thierry Henry left, I feel I could’ve made the Arsenal sides. But that Invincibles side was amazing – I wouldn’t mind being on the bench for that team.
It’s been an interesting season for Arsenal. They started slowly but have claimed 33 points from a possible 39 since the turn of 2015, and now look set to clinch runner-up spot in the Premier League. They’re also in the semi-final of the FA Cup. What’s your take on Arsenal’s year?
Well it’s gone how you’d expect Arsenal’s season to go; they began pretty slowly, got a head of steam, started to do really well, are finishing strongly and will probably end up in around fourth like they normally do.
It seems a little bit like Groundhog day but hopefully they can get to the FA Cup final and finish third or second. For me, that will be a good season. I know we couldn’t have done much more on last season. So if we can finish third or second that’s got to be an improvement and if we win the FA Cup that’s got to be very positive.
Who do you think they should buy this summer? I read your comments about Raheem Sterling.
I’m sure Raheem Sterling will sign for Liverpool, I’d just like to see Arsenal making waves. I saw Raheem say ‘it’s flattering’ after he got mentioned with Arsenal and it is flattering when teams want you. Of course it is! But it’s one of those – I’m not sure if Arsenal will get him simply because Liverpool will do all they can to keep him. I would just like to know Arsenal are trying to sign players of that calibre.
We’d been bigging up Wrighty all afternoon. Now it was time to bring him down a peg or two. He’s better than Shaun. He’s better than Shaun. Bradley Wright-Phillips, he’s better than Shaun. True or false?
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I can’t answer that question! The weird thing is, they weren’t even that competitive with each other when they were kids. But I’ve seen them both do things that I’m very, very proud of that impressed me so much and I’d never ever, ever answer that question!
When you’re home alone, do you ever put on your Just Did It t-shirt and sing Chicken Tonight?
No! My Just Did It t-shirt’s in a hotel somewhere unfortunately. And I’ve got to say, with the Chicken tonight thing, I’m very flattered because I think that’s like thirty-odd years and people still talk about it. In respect of advertising, it’s been an absolute success – it’s done its job.
When’s the last time you listened to Do The Right Thing?
I don’t listen to Do The Right Thing. Absolutely not, no.
And finally, Arsene Wenger vs George Graham. No holds barred, straight up street fight. Who wins?
Haha, oh dear. I think George Graham might with his old rugged Scottishness.
Wenger’s got reach though?
He’s got reach but George Graham’s got that Scottish ruggedness. He might take him, I’m not sure. Hopefully it never happens!
Hopefully it does, it’d be hilarious. Thanks Ian, you’ve been a pleasure.
Ian Wright was talking at Ball Street’s media day for #OneMoreGame. Please subscribe to Ball Street’s YouTube channel to follow Wrighty’s journey to #OneMoreGame – https://www.youtube.com/user/