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Arsenal must bounce back - Wenger

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Arsenal need to respond with quality and belief when they take on Crystal Palace following their painful season-opening Premier League defeat against West Ham United.

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London - Arsenal need to respond with quality and belief when they take on Crystal Palace following their painful season-opening Premier League defeat against West Ham United, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

West Ham dashed Wenger's hopes of making a fast start to the season when they capitalised on errors by goalkeeper Petr Cech to secure a 2-0 victory at The Emirates last weekend.

Wenger backed Cech to bounce back quickly after the Czech international, hailed by supporters as the missing piece in Arsenal's quest for a first Premier League title since 2004, flopped on debut following his arrival from champions Chelsea.

“He (Cech) analyses very well. He's a bright man and he knows that it is down to how well he responds,” the Frenchman told reporters.

“A defeat is never a blessing. It always hurts. We have analysed what has happened but that should not take our belief away.

“We were defensively quite sound but we made two mistakes we paid for. We were not creative or accurate enough.

“We have shown that we have the quality to respond, so let's focus on that on Sunday. It's how you respond that makes your season.”

The Gunners travel to Crystal Palace on Sunday with Chile international Alexis Sanchez, who returned late to training after the Copa America, back in contention but striker Danny Welbeck is “at least three weeks away” with a knee injury.

Arsenal last lost to Palace in a top-flight match in 1979 but the south London club have shown steady progress since returning to the Premier League in 2013 and earned praise from Wenger for their work in the transfer window.

Former Arsenal transfer target Yohan Cabaye has joined from Paris St Germain for a club-record fee of 10 million pounds ($15.60 million), goal-scoring winger Bakary Sako moved from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free, while young strikers Patrick Bamford and Connor Wickham have added firepower up front.

“They have made great additions,” Wenger said. “Cabaye has a good eye, a good long pass and that's important for Crystal Palace.”

Wenger said he is still looking to add to his squad before the transfer window closes but will not rush into the market despite Arsenal losing their opening match of the season.

“When you lose a game you always get those demands,” he said. “If we find somebody, anywhere who will strengthen our squad, we will do it.

“But it is not easy, it is not supermarket stuff where you go in and say 'I would like this please.'“ – Reuters

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Balotelli in line for loyalty bonus

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli will receive a six-figure loyalty bonus if he is still at the club when the transfer window closes.

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Out-of-favour Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli will receive a six-figure loyalty bonus if he is still at the club when the transfer window closes on September 1, according to British media reports.

The Italy international has not featured for the club since April 28. He has also been frozen out of manager Brendan Rodgers' squad and is not being allowed to train with the first team.

Balotelli has made just 10 Premier League starts and scored only one goal since joining the Merseyside club for 16 million pounds ($25 million) from AC Milan in August 2014.

He accepted a steep pay cut when he signed his three-year contract at Anfield, but his agent Mino Raiola negotiated a number of add-ons for his client, including a series of lucrative loyalty bonuses.

Raiola said earlier this summer that Balotelli would not leave Liverpool in this transfer window, despite interest from several Italian clubs.

Liverpool have been widely reported to be seeking to offload the striker, and earlier this week the club's long-forgotten left-back Jose Enrique accused the manager of “alienating” him, as well as Balotelli and forward Fabio Borini. – Reuters

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Is Mourinho losing the plot?

Insiders at Chelsea say they have not seen Jose Mourinho this unhappy since the final days of his first term at Stamford Bridge.

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When Jose Mourinho gives a press conference for the first time since publicly condemning his club doctor later today, he will presumably be under strict instructions not to make an already delicate situation more volatile.

But it is not going to be easy for Chelsea’s manager. The release of a video by Sky yesterday reveals him delivering an explosive, foul-mouthed tirade after seeing Dr Eva Carneiro and head physiotherapist Jon Fearn run on to the pitch to assist Eden Hazard during last weekend’s encounter with Swansea. The footage will lead to yet more questions.

Something appears to be eating away at Mourinho and the evidence goes beyond his treatment of medical staff that invited criticism from FIFA’s chief medical officer, Professor Jiri Dvorak yesterday.

Sources at the club say he has been in a foul mood for some weeks now, berating staff members, barking at players and working them hard even by his own demanding standards.

He surprised his players by responding to Saturday’s disappointing draw against Swansea by giving them two days off. He welcomed them back — after some players had taken brief trips abroad — to a series of punishing, back-to-back training sessions that kept them at Cobham late into the afternoon yesterday. It was said to have felt like a form of punishment to his squad.

A smouldering, seething Mourinho is nothing particularly new to seasoned observers of the often petulant Portuguese. Particularly when a poor pre-season is followed by a performance as unimpressive as last weekend’s.

But he was compared yesterday to ‘a steaming cauldron’, with a growing concern that something deeper is troubling him.

A shortage of summer signings, perhaps. Or maybe even a fear that they are not ready to face their main title rivals at Manchester City on Sunday. Insiders at the club say they have not seen Mourinho this unhappy since the final days of his first term at Stamford Bridge.

The video that Sky put out yesterday is one of a man responding irrationally to a match situation that was far from critical. He turns and shouts ‘son of a bitch’ in Portuguese — ‘filho da puta’ — continuing to rant and rave as he marches back towards his seat.

Sky pixelated the images of his face at one point because he was so clearly using foul language. And he is seen not only barking his disapproval at Carneiro but Fearn, too. Both deserve credit for remaining calm in response.

Just as irrational was the thought process that led Mourinho to criticise his senior medical staff on television and radio. He accused Carneiro of lacking a basic understanding of the game despite her considerable experience and expertise, then branded his medical team ‘impulsive and naive’.

It was a decision that stunned Chelsea officials and left Roman Abramovich, an owner never comfortable to see the image of his club tarnished, most unhappy.

The problem is escalating. Yesterday, lawyers representing Chelsea asked that the media make no attempts to contact Carneiro or her family, even though Sportsmail can reveal Carneiro has contacted a separate legal firm to discuss what could well amount to a constructive dismissal claim, given that she has been stripped of most of her duties.

The 41-year-old doctor has hired Mishcon de Reya — the prestigious law firm which famously represented Diana, Princess of Wales during her divorce from Prince Charles and has also given advice for women facing discrimination — to look at her case.

This heightens the need for Mourinho to navigate his way carefully through this afternoon’s media briefing.

There was yet more criticism for Mourinho yesterday, having already had his behaviour described as ‘appalling’ and ‘unjust’ by senior medical figures in sport this week.

FIFA’s Dvorak told Sky he fully supported Carneiro’s actions, arguing that Mourinho had no right to question when a doctor chooses to rush to the aid of a player.

‘In medical aspects, in medical diagnosis, the manager has nothing to say,’ said Dvorak.

‘This is our professional law and our ethical duty to look after the players’ health.’

Asked if a manager had the authority to tell the medical team not to enter the field, Dvorak said: ‘I can’t see such a situation and we have to defend the position of the doctor. Everyone involved has to respect the fact the doctor is in charge.

‘I don’t want to interfere with the club as such, but I would endorse clearly what the team doctor and the physiotherapist did. When they were asked, they had to come on to the pitch.’

The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine echoed the sentiment.

In a statement they said: ‘A Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) doctor’s duty is to the health and medical welfare of his/her athlete at all times and a doctor must be allowed to make a proper evaluation of the medical injury.

‘The SEM doctor’s duty to the health and welfare of the athlete should be determined on clinical grounds and not be influenced by third parties such as coaches and management.

‘A doctor’s position should not be subject to restrictions following the care of an athlete, provided the doctor has acted appropriately and in line with the GMC and FSEM code of practice.’

Presumably Mourinho needed the assistance of his medical staff to complete the signing of the Brazilian, Kenedy, yesterday.

Whether it proves to be the last time they work together — indeed whether it proves to be the last signing Mourinho makes at Chelsea — remains to be seen.

These are the members of Jose Mourinho’s backroom team at Stamford Bridge who support the Chelsea boss at every game:

Gary Staker — player liaison officer

Rui Faria — assistant first team coach

Steve Holland — assistant first team coach

Silvino Louro — assistant first team coach

Christophe Lollichon — goalkeeper coach

Eva Carneiro — first team doctor

Jon Fearn — first team physiotherapist – Daily Mail

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De Gea has ‘same problem’ - Van Gaal

David de Gea is out of the squad for Manchester United's second Premier League fixture of the season against Aston Villa, manager Louis van Gaal said.

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London - Goalkeeper David de Gea still “has the same problem” of not being in the right frame of mind and is out of the squad for Manchester United's second Premier League fixture of the season against Aston Villa, manager Louis van Gaal said on Thursday.

The Spaniard missed last weekend's season-opening 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur after Van Gaal felt the 24-year-old might not be focused amid persistent media reports linking the goalkeeper with a move to Real Madrid.

“There's no difference. The transfer period is still open and he (De Gea) has still the same problem,” Van Gaal told a news conference.

Sergio Romero, who signed for United last month on a free transfer from Sampdoria, is expected to continue in goal when Van Gaal's side travel to Villa Park on Friday.

Van Gaal also responded to comments from Hristo Stoichkov, who played under the Dutchman at Barcelona, after the former Bulgaria international said the United boss “destroys” clubs and urged Barcelona's Pedro not to move to Old Trafford.

“I always want to consider who is saying such things and then I know already why,” Van Gaal said.

“It is not bothering me. He (Stoichkov) is one of the players I sent away (from Barcelona) and that is why he is doing that. I'm used to that.”

Van Gaal endured a difficult start to life at Old Trafford last season as United claimed 13 points from 10 league matches.

United signed a host of players ahead of the current campaign and the Dutchman hopes the integration of his new recruits does not have a similar impact on early season results.

“You have to survive the start. You have new players, a new team, a new team process, the team dynamics are different, so every team has to sustain this period because nobody is 100 percent fit and they have to play,” he said.

“I think that we have to pay attention to it and develop, but it cannot cost as many points as last year.”

Despite signing expensive recruits like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay, Van Gaal is still looking to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

“Our aim is to improve our squad and when it is possible we shall do it,” he said. “I have said more than once that we only buy when we think it is a contribution for our squad.” – Reuters

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Baines blow for Everton

Everton left back Leighton Baines will be out for at least three months following an operation on the ankle injury.

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London - England left back Leighton Baines will be out for at least three months following an operation on the ankle injury he sustained on the eve of the new season, his club Everton said on Thursday.

The 30-year-old had only just returned after undergoing ankle surgery in May.

“Everything had been perfect in Leighton's programme and he worked extremely hard in pre-season,” manager Roberto Martinez told the club website (www.evertonfc.com).

“He looked refreshed, he looked strong and he looked at a really, really good level. Then, in training, he blocks a ball and it hits him exactly in the same area where he had surgery.

“It's one of those tough moments that you have to take as a player,” said Martinez.

Everton, who started the Premier League campaign with a 2-2 home draw against promoted Watford last weekend, travel to Southampton on Saturday. – Reuters

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City can go five clear of Chelsea

The destination of the Premier League trophy will not be decided when current champions Chelsea meet their immediate predecessors Manchester City on Sunday, but the winners will get a welcome psychological boost for the long campaign ahead.

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LONDON: The destination of the Premier League trophy will not be decided when current champions Chelsea meet their immediate predecessors Manchester City on Sunday, but the winners will get a welcome psychological boost for the long campaign ahead.

The meeting between two of the main title contenders has come early in the season but three points are three points whether they are won in August or May.

If Manchester City take them they will already be five clear of Chelsea whereas last season they never got their noses in front of Jose Mourinho's side.

City began their campaign with an easy 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion on Monday with Yaya Toure looking back to his imperious best, scoring the best goal of the season so far with City's second from the edge of the box.

Toure's excellent display and an equally emphatic statement of intent from City's captain Vincent Kompany were both in contrast to many of their performances last season.

His manager Manuel Pellegrini, who has just signed a new deal with the club, did say Toure had had problems last season following the death of his brother Ibrahim, when Toure struggled in matches against the top sides.

So he will be under scrutiny when Chelsea visit on Sunday.

Chelsea made an indifferent start with a 2-2 draw against Swansea City at Stamford Bridge but much of the focus since has been on the curious aftermath of the match with Mourinho banning the club's first team doctor Eva Carneiro from the bench.

Mourinho was unhappy that Carneiro and physio Jon Fearn went on the pitch to treat Eden Hazard near the end.

Chelsea were down to 10 men following the dismissal of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and because the medics had come on to the pitch, Hazard had to go off before he could resume playing, leaving Chelsea with nine men on the field.

That incensed Mourinho and his banning order has made headlines since but what should concern him more was the way his team played.

Courtois will miss Sunday's game with newly-arrived deputy Asmir Begovic taking his place.

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma made only his second start in the Premier League against runners-up City last January in the game at Stamford Bridge, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The France international, who joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne in January 2014, has happy memories from that match and was confident of a similar strong show against City at the Etihad Stadium.

Zouma said: “It's a chance early in the season to show why we are champions. We want to defend our title. The season after a very good season is always hard but we have to show we are ready to try and do it.”

The 20-year-old Zouma, who grew up as a central defender, has shown his versatility having played several games in midfield and more recently was deployed as a left-back in the Community Shield.

“Because I'm right-footed I have never played at left-back. It was different for me positionally so I had to learn quickly and adapt to it,” Zouma added.

“It's really not a problem because the boss needed me in that position and I have to give everything for the team.

“They were good experiences for me because I played the games and I always want to be on the pitch enjoying myself. I'm feeling very well.” – Reuters

Petr Cech, Chelsea's first choice goalie for much of the past decade, is now at Arsenal and he will be hoping to put his miserable debut for the Gunners to the back of his mind at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Cech was at fault for both goals as Arsenal were shocked 2-0 at home by West Ham United on Sunday.

Palace meanwhile go into the game after an impressive 3-1 win at promoted Norwich City.

Palace have only beaten Arsenal three times in 37 meetings since they first clashed over 80 years ago and Arsenal have not lost a league match at Palace since 1979.

Arsene Wenger's men, who won the FA Cup last season and started this season with a Community Shield victory over Chelsea, will be looking to bounce back immediately.

The weekend starts with the re-introduction of a televised Friday night match with Aston Villa meeting Manchester United at Villa Park.

Both teams won their opening matches last weekend so whoever wins on Friday will go top, at least until the rest catch up on Saturday and Sunday.

w Sunday's clash against Manchester City is an ideal opportunity for Chelsea to signal the seriousness of their Premier League title defence, defender Kurt Zouma has said.

Zouma made only his second start in the Premier League against runners-up City last January in the game at Stamford Bridge, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The France international, who joined Chelsea from Saint-Etienne in January 2014, has happy memories from that match and was confident of a similar strong show against City at the Etihad Stadium.

“We know we are playing against a good team on Sunday and it will be difficult, but we have a chance to win. I think it will be a very interesting game,” Zouma told Chelsea's website (www.chelseafc.com).

“It's a chance early in the season to show why we are champions. We want to defend our title.

“The season after a very good season is always hard but we have to show we are ready to try and do it.”

The 20-year-old Zouma, who grew up as a central defender, has shown his versatility having played several games in midfield and more recently was deployed as a left-back in the Community Shield.

“Because I'm right-footed I have never played at left-back. It was different for me positionally so I had to learn quickly and adapt to it,” Zouma added.

“It's really not a problem because the boss needed me in that position and I have to give everything for the team.

“They were good experiences for me because I played the games and I always want to be on the pitch enjoying myself. I'm feeling very well.” – Reuters

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City seek early psychological boost

The meeting between two of the main Premier League title contenders has come early in the season but three points are three points.

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London - The destination of the Premier League trophy will not be decided when current champions Chelsea meet their immediate predecessors Manchester City on Sunday, but the winners will get a welcome psychological boost for the long campaign ahead.

The meeting between two of the main title contenders has come early in the season but three points are three points whether they are won in August or May.

If Manchester City take them they will already be five clear of Chelsea whereas last season they never got their noses in front of Jose Mourinho's side.

Toure's excellent display and an equally emphatic statement of intent from City's captain Vincent Kompany were both in contrast to many of their performances last season.

“I know what I have to do and I don't care what people say about me. I'm not back - I've always been there,” a defiant Toure said at the Hawthorns.