Hatem Ben Arfa has yet to convince Alan Pardew he is worthy of a first-team start. Sir Alex Ferguson rues his decision to bench Javier Hernandez at Chelsea, Martin O’Neill vows to be patient with Wayne Bridge, while John Obi Mikel returns to training for Chelsea this morning:
Alan Pardew has admitted Hatem Ben Arfa faces a real battle to establish himself in the Newcastle first XI. The Frenchman found himself dropped for last Sunday’s home game against Villa, with Pardew opting for the work-rate of James Perch in midfield instead. With Papiss Demba Cisse joining Demba Ba up front, Ben Arfa’s preferred role, tucked in behind a lone forward, looks out of the question, given Pardew’s penchant for a 4-4-2. The Magpies boss said:
Hatem still hasn’t quite grasped, in my opinion, this Premier League. He’s got unbelievable talent, but he’s not used to it. He’s got to fight now to get in this team. He could still have a massive impact on this season, but we need to see him at his best. He isn’t out of the picture yet.
Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Javier Hernandez may be set for an increase in game time, after his performance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. The Mexican has fallen behind Danny Welbeck in the pecking order this term and has started just two of United’s last eleven league matches but, having climbed off the bench to grab the equaliser at Chelsea, has given his manager plenty to mull over, as Ferguson admitted:
To be honest, I think I should have played Chicharito from the start. When he came on he had them on toast. He really put pressure on them with his movement and positional play. Danny Welbeck is a terrific player and he is going to be a top player, but when Chicharito came on it was a different game.
This seems to raise questions against Welbeck’s first-team prospects, then. He has started four of United’s last six up front and has been the preferred partner for Wayne Rooney up front, but Hernandez’s display and his manager’s subsequent comments raises question marks over his role over the new few gameweeks.
Martin O’Neill is keen to allow Wayne Bridge time to settle in at Sunderland before handing him a start. With the loan signing some way short of match fitness, the Black Cats boss is prepared to utilise Kieran Richardson at left-back until Bridge is ready to step up. O’Neill alluded to Bridge’s previous loan spell last term as the reason behind his thinking.
He is just settling down. I am mindful he was thrown in at the deep end last year. At West Ham it was thrust upon him. I would like him to see the surroundings a bit more. It was pleasing to get into the Norwich game, that was encouraging enough for him.
John Obi Mikel has returned to training for Chelsea today. The Nigerian has been sidelined since the gameweek 17 draw at Spurs, missing a run of games that have seen Andre Villas-Boas’ side pick up just two wins from seven. With the likes of Ramires injured, Frank Lampard a doubt, and Michael Essien still finding his feet since returning from long-term injury, Mikel -if he proves his fitness- will give the Blues a midfield boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Everton.
FPL-wise, last night’s goalless draw at Anfield saw Glen Johnson yet again lead the way for bonus points. With Jose Enrique missing out with a hamstring problem, Johnson moved to left-back, with Martin Kelly stepping in on the other flank, and his display once more stood out in the EA SPORTS PPI. Johnson grabbed the maximum 3 for the fourth time this season and has now picked up 14, more than any Liverpool player. Clearly, his displays from full-back are ideal for the bonus system, with a combination of defensive work and crossing proving pivotal in his allocation, as the home side recorded their third clean sheet in the last four.
