Our weekly run through the post-match comments and press reports returns again this afternoon. David Moyes discusses Robin Van Persie’s fitness levels. Alan Pardew hints at a change in tactics to cope with the departure of Yohan Cabaye. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explains his decision to sub off Peter Whittingham early on against Norwich, Per Mertesacker talks up his defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny and Roberto Martinez heaps praise on the recent form of Kevin Mirallas:
David Moyes took to the press to make things crystal clear regarding Robin van Persie’s fitness ahead of a mouthwatering game against Fulham. The Dutchman has now scored in both of his games since returning from a thigh problem and, for many managers, his game time is the only doubt over his captaincy potential this week. Thankfully, we now know to ask the player himself whether he’ll be playing the full 90. Given the quality he possesses, though, Moyes quite rightly highlights the Dutchman’s capacity to score goals, even with limited minutes in an under-performing side, and just how vital he is to United.
“I have taken Robin’s advice where he feels he is at. I ask him if he is ready to play and how long does he feel he is able to play. All the things I am doing, I am taking from Robin… The other night [against Cardiff], we did OK, but I won because I had Robin van Persie in the team. He is somebody who can score, who can make a difference and get you a winning goal and we have missed that”
David Moyes on Robin van Persie.
Alan Pardew hints at a change of style to cope with the sale of Yohan Cabaye during the January window. It’s hard not to feel sorry for the Magpies’ manager after losing his star turn. The playmaker’s departure has clearly effected Newcastle’s attacking fluency and, with key players such as Fabricio Coloccini and Loic Remy sidelined by injury and suspension respectively, Pardew will have a real task on his hands reshaping the squad as they prepare to face Chelsea and Spurs in the next two.
“When you lose a player of Cabaye’s class you want a replacement, but he didn’t arrive and I have to accept what I’ve got and get the best out of them going forward. Loic was a big miss. There was a lack of conviction in our finishing, and that’s one that thing that Loic doesn’t lack. We have lost a good player and have another who scores goals sitting out. A lot of the play went through Yohan, so maybe we have to change our style. We have lost two of our big goalscoring options and we’re also without Fabricio Coloccini . They are massive players for us. We have to get ready for a tough game at Chelsea next week with a game plan that will work.
Alan Pardew vents his frustrations over the loss of three key players.
As Arsenal prepare for a trip to Anfield, Per Mertesacker took time to explain why his central defensive displays alongside Laurent Koscielny have proved so successful. It’s been over two years since the Gunners last tasted defeat in a league game the pair have completed and with 10 clean sheets in the last 16 Gameweeks, their form is persuading many to look beyond Luis Suarez as this week’s armband favourite:
“In this case I would say we have different qualities. “One is more mobile, one has more height. It fits absolutely well together because [these] days the centre backs are not just tall and just have to [deal with] long balls and to head these balls. I’ve played with many good centre backs with different qualities. But Laurent, he’s one of the quickest players I’ve ever played with, one of the most mobile players, and he anticipates well a lot of balls so he has real strengths to be a good partner. For me it’s easy to play alongside him. Hopefully he’s going to say that to you as well when he speaks about me! We both take advantages from each other so that is the main key [to our success] I think.”
Per Mertesacker discusses the success of his defensive partnership with Laurent Koscielny
Cardiff City manager Ole-Gunner Solskjaer explained his ice-cold decision to replace first team regular Peter Whittingham with debutant loanee Wilfried Zaha just 38 minutes into the match against Norwich. With the hosts a goal down at the time, Zaha’s introduction was widely credited with changing the game. The new winger will be a strong candidate for a start in the Welsh derby next week, potentially at the expense of Whittingham – the Bluebirds’ highest owned player in the Fantasy Premier League. The good news for Whittingham owners is that Zaha is just £0.1m more expensive and, with 2.2% ownership, he makes a nice little differential for managers looking to capitalise on Cardiff’s home fixtures against Villa, Hull and Fulham.
“Sometimes you just have to make decisions… I felt Peter was the one to sacrifice. I felt it was right to bring Wilf on, it lifted the crowd and the players… Defensively, I’ve got a few hours teaching ahead of me… It was a great debut. Wilfried is young, he’s exciting and he’s one of the best I’ve seen with the ball at pace.
Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer on Wilfried Zaha’s explosive debut.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez took the opportunity to laud Kevin Mirallas’ attitude this season. The Belgian winger had been a source of frustration for Fantasy managers early on but, with three goals in his last four and a share of free kicks, Mirallas is now delivering on his undoubted potential.
“There has been a change in Kevin’s mentality this season…Early on he was a player that was helping the team, now he is a player who sets standards, week in week out….He brings that star quality to be there when it is needed. On top of that he has a work ethic for the team so it is really pleasing to see him develop.”
Roberto Martinez praising Kevin Mirallas’ improved approach to the game.
Furthering attraction in the short term, Martinez chose to deploy the Belgian as a lone striker against Villa with injuries depleting his attacking options. Mirallas shared his thoughts on playing out of position, and earning a billing alongside Baines as set piece taker.
“I practice free-kicks every day to try to get them right on the day of the game. Today I’m very happy because my father and my mother came to see the game and it was a good goal… I played as a striker, It’s not my best position but I worked for the team.”
Kevin Mirallas on his free kick winner and playing up front.
With post match comments resembling something of an Al Pacino speech, Robert Snodgrass rallied the troops as Norwich gear up for a widely contested relegation battle. It has clearly been a difficult time for the winger in a season disjointed by injuries, but his luck may be beginning to turn. Snodgrass followed his first assist of the season (in Gameweek 22) with only his second goal in Gameweek 24 to bring his form in line with his fight. It’s certainly the spirit Chris Hughton will want to see as his side prepare to welcome City and Spurs to Carrow Road in the next three Gameweeks.
“You learn a lot about yourself as a person, not just a player. I have had my nose broken, I’ve been knocked out but one thing I will never do is cry or moan. I will keep going and putting my body on the line for this team. You need to give everything at this level. You have to look at the guy right in front of you every week, your direct opponent, and think I am going to do better than you today. If everybody has that attitude then as a club you have more chance to win the game… People criticise if the assists and goals are not there, but I feel I could have had maybe 10 goals this season…I am getting in the right areas, the same as every previous season. I know my team mate can look me in the eye and know I will give everything.”
Robert Snodgrass on his injuries and his desire to play.
After holding Spurs to a draw, Tigers boss Steve Bruce was quick to praise goalscorer Shane Long and his powerful foil, Nikica Jelavic. Bruce has clearly been encouraged by the pair’s bright start to life at the KC Stadium and he’ll be hoping the experienced duo will have what it takes to fire Hull City to safety. His side have an attractive run of games (sun, SOT, car, NEW, whm), including an encouraging tie in Gameweek 28, whilst Sunderland, West Brom and the two Manchester sides have blanks. At £5.6m, and with just 1.7% ownership, Shane Long looks the pick of the pair for managers looking for a cheap differential in the absence of some big hitters.
“I thought Long and Jelavic were a handful all afternoon and, although the partnership is only in its early days, I think they will certainly be a threat for anyone who plays against them… They have been round the block a little bit and know what it’s all about. I am convinced they will give us the platform which we will need to make sure we stay in this division.”
Steve Bruce talks up Hull’s complimentary new striker combination.
