Charles N’Zogbia grabs a goal on his Aston Villa debut. Daniel Sturridge dazzles again for Chelsea and earns the praise of his manager. An ankle knock for Robin Van Persie leaves Fantasy managers awaiting further update. Haris Vuckic forces his way into Alan Pardew’s first-team plans and Andy Carroll grabs another goal for Liverpool as the Reds sign off pre-season in impressive form at Anfield. Here’s your Sunday Scribbles, folks:
As mentioned in last night’s post, Robin Van Persie suffered an ankle knock in yesterday’s 2-1 defeat at Benfica. The Dutchman was felled in the first half and, having received treatment on the sidelines, returned to the proceedings until the interval. Van Persie then failed to appear for the second half in what may just be a precautionary measure. Post-match, Arsene Wenger was vague on the matter but with Van Persie scoring in his last three outings, can ill-afford to lose his main forward ahead of next weekend’s match at Newcastle.
Charles N’Zogbia made an instant impact for Aston Villa, scoring on his debut away to Braga. Alex McLeish was delighted with the display of the new boy and the team as a whole, as Villa earned a 1-1 draw at the home of difficult opponents. Emile Heskey and Gabby Agbonlahor were the wide players for the away side in what looked more like a 4-3-3, judging by reports.
Marc Alrighton was benched for the game at Braga but came on as a second half substitute for N’Zogbia. The youngster has spoken of his desire to nail down a first-team place this season, following the departures of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young earlier this summer:
It’s up to me to work hard and prove my ability every day and then hopefully the gaffer will pick me. It could be my year. Last season proved to me that I’ve got the ability to compete at this level, and although I had some sticky spells I enjoyed it and am looking forward to more.
The fans were great to me. They love a local boy and that helped me to know they were on my side. This season I’m just hoping I can put in more performances to keep that growing.
Chelsea conceded their first goal under Andre Villas-Boas but recovered to comfortably dispense of Rangers. Villas-Boas again played 4-3-3 with Frank Lampard in his usual slot, left of the midfield three. Daniel Sturridge was, once again, a key player for the Blues, netting twice in an eye-catching performance. Suspended for the first three games of the season, Sturridge will play no part in Chelsea’s league matters this August but is clearly making a case for a first-team place in the subsequent months ahead. Villas-Boas praised the player post-match:
Daniel has played his part in pre-season. It is nothing new to us because of what he was doing at Bolton. He has been showing his qualities in the club and we will count on him for this season in a different perspective than before.
Alex partnered John Terry in central defence yesterday, with David Luiz sitting out due to knee pain. Villas-Boas spoke of this after the 3-1 win:
David Luiz should get back to training soon. He got back [from playing for Brazil in the Copa America] and in the first training session he felt a slight pain in his knee. It’s something he didn’t feel in the Copa America and it’s not the reason why he didn’t play. That was just the manager’s decision. But he’s only had half-an-hour training with us, although he should get back this week to full training.
Chelsea have stepped up their player acquisitions this weekend, agreeing a deal with Anderlecht for the services of Romelu Lukaka. The transfer will go through later this week, subject to a medical and the player agreeing personal terms.
Glen Johnson limped out of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Valencia after only six minutes yesterday. The right-back appears to have a thigh injury and speaking after the game, Kenny Dalglish reckons the club should have a better idea as to the extent of the injury later on today. Fabio Aurelio returned to the Liverpool first-team at left-back and staked a claim for a regular slot with a solid performance. With a move for Jose Enrique mooted, will Auerelio’s comeback persuade Dalglish to keep the chequebook in his pocket rather than splash the cash?
Liverpool played a 4-2-3-1 formation and despite a number of substitutions, kept the same shape throughout the game. This may well prove to be the club’s default formation next season, with the possibility of Luis Suarez tucked in behind Andy Carroll. The ex-Newcastle forward is starting to find his feet at Anfield, scoring for the second game on the trot yesterday ahead of next week’s home opener with Sunderland.
The pre-season form of Haris Vuckic saw him installed in the Newcastle first XI for yesterday’s game with Fiorentina. The Slovenian had scored in the previous two games and although the game was subsequently abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch, looks to be firmly in Alan Pardew’s thoughts ahead of next week’s St James’ Park showdown with Arsenal.
Wayne Hennessey looks like entering the season as Wolves’ number one. The keeper played 80 minutes of yesterday’s win over Real Zaragoza and with another strong performance under his belt, seems like keeping new boy Dorus De Vries on the bench at the campaign begins.
Wayne Routledge made his debut for Swansea yesterday in the 1-0 win over Real Betis. Swans boss Brendan Rodgers introduced the ex-Newcastle man to the proceedings as the furthest forward in a central midfield three, suggesting Routledge may offers options in areas other than the wings at the Liberty Stadium.
