West Brom reject second bid from Tottenham for Saido Berahino

West Bromwich Albion have rejected a second bid from Tottenham for Saido Berahino.

The Baggies are standing firm over the striker’s future after they turned down a transfer request from him on Monday.

Spurs are understood to be some distance from Albion’s valuation of the England Under-21 striker, with a reported bid of £22m wide of the mark.

West Brom confirmed the second bid on Tuesday, and the club chairman Jeremy Peace said in a statement: “Our position remains unchanged. The sale of this player is not on our agenda.”

Spurs made their opening offer last Tuesday and were met with a firm refusal from the Baggies before the 22-year-old officially asked to leave on Monday. Berahino was dropped from the squad which lost 3-2 against Chelsea on Sunday after the manager Tony Pulis felt he was not in the right frame of mind to play.

It is understood Berahino was happy to face the champions but Pulis wanted to take him out of the spotlight and it is unlikely he will feature against Port Vale in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

Juan Cuadrado completes season-long loan move to Juventus from Chelsea

Juan Cuadrado has completed his move to Juventus on a season-long loan from Chelsea, both clubs have confirmed. The 27-year-old Colombia forward returns to Serie A seven months since moving to the Premier League champions from Fiorentina.

A statement from the Italian club read: “Juventus Football Club can today confirm that Juan Cuadrado has agreed terms on a season-long loan deal from English Premier League side Chelsea.”

Speaking to the club’s website, Cuadrado said: “We all know that Juve is a great club, among the best teams in Europe. They have everything to win the Scudetto. I hope I can give Juventus my best, 100%.

“I didn’t expect to receive such a warm welcome from the fans in Italy but they have always welcomed me with open arms and that makes me very happy. The fans’ support will give me further motivation to do well.”

Cuadrado was one of Colombia’s star players at last year’s World Cup but has failed to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since moving from Fiorentina for an initial £23.3m.

He signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea but it seems the club are already willing to allow him to play elsewhere after four Premier League starts.

The loan move will inevitably lead to suggestions the France midfielder Paul Pogba will make the switch in the opposite direction, with a move in excess of £60m spoken of. The Chelsea manager José Mourinho refused to discuss Pogba last Friday and the Cuadrado switch appears independent of any negotiations for the former Manchester United player.

Cuadrado is excited at the prospect of playing for Juve, who won the Italian double – Serie A and Coppa Italia – in the 2014-15 campaign and finished runners-up to Barcelona in the Champions League.

He said: “The league has only started and we hope we can defend the title. I want to prepare well for every game and then the coach will decide. I just have to work hard and play my game.”

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli agrees to return to Milan on loan

Mario Balotelli’s unhappy spell at Liverpool is coming to an end with the Italy striker set to rejoin Milan on a season-long loan.

The 25-year-old has been frozen out of Brendan Rodgers’s plans this season and forced to train away from the first-team squad along with Fabio Borini and José Enrique after a disappointing first season at Anfield and having joined from Milan in a £16m transfer last August.

Balotelli is due a six-figure “loyalty bonus” from Liverpool should he remain at the club once the summer transfer window has closed but he has agreed terms with the Italian club over a loan deal. He is set for a medical at the club’s Milanello training ground on Tuesday.

It is understood that there is no loan fee and that Milan will pay half of his £80,000 a week wages, with Liverpool picking up the remainder.

Balotelli made 16 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season, scoring just once, against Tottenham in February.

Southampton to move for Virgil van Dijk after Celtic’s Champions League play-off

Southampton will make a move for the £10m-rated defender Virgil van Dijk after he plays in Tuesday’s Champions League play-off for Celtic against Malmo.

Ronald Koeman, the Southampton manager, has made the addition of another centre-half a priority, after the failure to turn Toby Alderweireld’s loan into a permanent transfer and the long-term knee injury Florin Gardos suffered in pre-season.

He has taken Steven Caulker on a season-long loan from Queens Park Rangers but his other options in central defence extend no further than José Fonte and Maya Yoshida. For Koeman, the numbers do not add up, particularly if he continues to play with three at the back, as he didin the 0-0 draw at Watford on Sunday.

Koeman tried to sign Van Dijk last summer and he will make what he hopes is a decisive move after Celtic’s game in Sweden. Celtic are 3-2 up after the first leg and have said there was no chance of Van Dijk leaving before the European tie but Southampton will test their resolve after it.

They believe the 24-year-old wants to come to the Premier League and he would not be cup-tied for the Europa League group phase were Southampton to qualify. They face Midtjylland in the play-off second leg on Thursday; the first leg finished 1-1.

Koeman, has made it plain that he will refuse any offers for Sadio Mané and Victor Wanyama, or any of his other key players so late in the window. Mané has been linked with Manchester United but the forward appears to accept he is staying. Wanyama has emerged as a target for Tottenham Hotspur but, whether he likes it or not, it appears he will be retained.

Tottenham considering move for Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for the Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, who is surplus to requirement at the Bernabéu. The north London club want to sign a commanding defensive midfielder and they also have an interest in Southampton’s Victor Wanyama.

Southampton, though, are adamant that Wanyama will not be sold and Tottenham are looking at other options, including Illarramendi, the 25-year-old Spaniard, who joined Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2013 for £23m.

Sociedad want Illarramendi back and they are the favourites to get him before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline. But the Basque club would prefer to take him on loan while Madrid want a permanent deal, which could open the door to wealthier clubs from England – Liverpool have also been linked with Illarramendi, who is valued at £15m. His weekly wage is £50,000.

Illarramendi has struggled at Madrid and he was not included by Rafael Benítez in the matchday squad for Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Sporting Gijón on the opening weekend of La Liga. The new manager named Mateo Kovacic, the £30m signing from Internazionale, and Casemiro, who has returned from a loan at Porto, on the substitutes’ bench ahead of him.

Mauricio Pochettino, the Tottenham manager, has used Eric Dier in defensive midfield so far this season. Dier’s natural position is centre-half while he has also played at right-back.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion have confirmed that they have rejected a second bid from Tottenham for Saido Berahino, believed to be in the region of £22m.

Spurs offered £18m for the forward last week, shortly before Berahino was omitted from the West Brom squad that lost 3-2 to Chelsea on Sunday. Hehanded in a transfer request 24 hours later, which was rejected by the club. They have now made further clear their determination to hold onto the forward.

“Our position remains unchanged,” said Jeremy Peace, the West Brom chairman in a statement on the club’s official website. “The sale of this player is not on our agenda.”

Tottenham are expected to try again, with an offer of £25m likely to give Peace cause for more serious thought.

Sakho arrested over 'threats to kill' allegations

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has been arrested by police on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation.

The Senegal international was arrested and bailed earlier this month on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage and malicious communication.

And the 25-year-old was apprehended again on Sunday, with officers bailing the forward until October.

A statement from the Metropolitan Police read: "On Sunday, 23 August, officers from Havering arrested a man on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation.

"The 25-year-old was arrested at an address in Emerson Park, Hornchurch.

"He was taken to an east London police station and has since been bailed pending further enquires to a date in early October."

Sakho, who signed for West Ham from Metz in August 2014, has featured in all three of the Hammers' Premier League games this season following his initial arrest.

A spokesman for the player told The Sun on Monday: "Diafra Sakho has not been charged with any offence.

"He vigorously denies the allegations that have been made against him, and has given the police a complete explanation of events.

"He will not be making any further comment."

Cech rescues a point for Arsenal... but Giroud can't make it three

Arsene Wenger will watch several repeats of Arsenal's goalless draw with Liverpool over the next few days, but he will still struggle to make any sense of his side’s performance on Monday night.

On the one hand, the Gunners owe their goalkeeper Petr Cech for ensuring that Liverpool were not in the lead and out of sight by half-time after a woeful defensive display by the hosts in the first 45 minutes.

Against that, an offside flag denied Aaron Ramsey a legitimate goal that could have completely changed the game. A second-half surge on the Liverpool goal also included Alexis Sanchez striking against the post and Olivier Giroud missing a glorious chance from close range.

In many ways it was a performance that told the story of Arsenal’s summer.

They have signed a top quality goalkeeper in Cech; a proven winner and could be worth more than 10 points a season.

But at the other end they are missing the cutting edge to turn one point into three on nights like this. It could be the difference between finishing first and second at the end of the campaign.

Cech, 33, endured a nightmare Premier League debut in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham on the opening weekend, but he was at his very best here.

The former Chelsea man made two jaw-dropping saves that few goalkeepers in the world would be able to replicate.

First, he flung himself across his goalline to deny Christian Benteke from point-blank range as the Liverpool bench were already celebrating a near-certain opener.

Moments later, Cech was at full stretch again as he got the slightest of touches on Philippe Coutinho’s curler to divert the ball on to the post.

Wenger hits back at Neville 'arrogant' jibe

Arsene Wenger has questioned Gary Neville's assertion that his transfer policy in the aftermath of Arsenal's last Premier League title can either be described as "naive or arrogant."

Wenger is currently the Premier League's longest-serving manager after arriving at Arsenal in 1996 and has won the title three times, though the Gunners' last success came back in 2004.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, Sky Sports pundit Neville was scathing in his assessment of the profile of players Wenger signed between 2004 and 2009.

"I can't think of a word to describe that bunch - I could but it wouldn’t be usable on television," said the former Manchester United defender.

"They're certainly not what I would call what you want to win you a league, the powerful characters, the strength you need running through your team.

"I just cannot get my head around why he would not sign players of power to assist these talented players you’ve got to enable them to win the league.

"It is the one big, if you like, black mark against Arsene Wenger in these last 10 years... to me it's arrogance - to think that you are not going to adapt your team to impact on the other teams you’re playing against. It is either naivety or arrogance because they keep losing this way."

Neville's words were put to Wenger in the aftermath of Monday's game, with the Frenchman insisting he could prove the England coach wrong.

"Look, I don't know what that has to do with arrogance," he said.

"I try just to do my job well for 20 years. I leave judgment to everybody else, the assessment of the quality of my work.

"Everybody is entitled to that opinion. I could prove to you that it's not necessarily right but let's not go into that debate tonight.

"When you don't win, you're wrong and people find reasons. Are they good reasons? I have enough experience to know when it's right and when it's wrong."

Celtic face 'something extra' from Swedish fans, warns Malmo full-back Tinnerholm

The Swedish defender believes mid-season fitness could be crucial in the Champions League tie

Malmo full-back Anton Tinnerholm expects Ronny Deila's Celtic side to be blown away by the home fans at Swedbank Stadion.

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions will start the second leg of their Champions League play-off with a 3-2 lead, but Tinnerholm is convinced that the boisterous atmosphere in Malmo will ramp up the pressure on the Scots and allow the home side to overcome another first-leg deficit.

In the previous round of Champions League qualifying, Malmo lost 2-0 away to Salzburg but triumphed 3-0 at Swedbank Stadion to progress.

"I don't think Celtic understand what awaits," the 24-year-old told Sydsvenskan.

"Although they have good pressure at home, I think it will be something extra when they come here.

"Here you sing for 90 minutes."

In the first leg at Celtic Park, Malmo trailed 2-0 at half-time, but surged back in the second half, with Jo Inge Berget scoring twice against his former club.
Those goals maintained Age Hareide's side's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League group stage for a second straight season, with Tinnerholm expecting Malmo's mid-season fitness to prove crucial.

"We have an advantage that we are the middle of the season," he said.

"It felt like we were a little stronger at the end in Glasgow."

Malmo have played 21 games in the 2015 Allsvenskan, while Celtic have only completed five matches in the 2015-16 Scottish Premiership campaign, currently sitting in second place, behind league leaders Heart of Mithlodian.

Gary Neville is right - Wenger's arrogance will cost Arsenal the title

Arsene Wenger bristled when he was informed of Gary Neville’s stinging criticism of Arsenal’s “naive or arrogant” transfer policy in the 11 years since they last won the Premier League title.

But the Gunners manager would be better off taking Neville’s criticism on board and examining it in more detail - because the former Manchester United defender is spot on with his assessment.

Arsenal still have 35 matches to correct their shaky start to the season, but in their first three games Wenger's side have looked miles away from winning the title.

Neville’s argument is that Wenger falsely clings on to a belief that Arsenal can return to the top with only technical players and that they have never replaced the physical dominance of the likes of Patrick Vieira and Gilberto.

Few Arsenal fans could disagree having watched so many lightweight performances since the 'Invincibles' tore opponents apart on a weekly basis in 2003-04.

In the interim, Wenger has tried to copy the model of Spain and Barcelona by relying on flair players.

When it clicks, it looks brilliant, yet they cannot grind out results in the same way as their more physical title rivals like Chelsea and Manchester City.

Bale promises 'plenty of goals' for Real Madrid

The Wales star, who has allayed concerns over a possible injury, insists the team will be exciting to watch this season despite an opening day draw

Gareth Bale has vowed that Real Madrid will score "plenty of goals" this season despite their disappointing goalless draw with Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

Rafael Benitez's first competitive game in charge ended in a 0-0 draw as Madrid failed to find a way through a resilient home side.

Bale, however, is adamant the team is improving on daily basis and insists they will show more attacking flair this term.

"We are getting better all the time. We're learning, training and improving. With each game that passes we are becoming an even stronger unit," he told reporters at a sponsor event.

"Obviously we are going to be an attacking side. We need to improve at the back, but we're still working on being an exciting team, one that will be going out to win everything. We've only played the first Liga game of the season. We didn't score, but I'm 100 per cent sure we'll get plenty of goals."

The Wales international also played down concerns over a toe injury picked up in Sunday's draw.

"Everything is fine, I underwent tests this morning just to be certain and we saw that it was just a knock. There's nothing to worry about, I'm perfectly fine."

Madrid return to action against Real Betis on Saturday.

Dybala can be the new Messi, insists Zamparini

The Palermo president has criticised Massimiliano Allegri for the way he has used the Argentine forward so far at Juventus

Paulo Dybala can be the new Lionel Messi within the next three years, according to Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini, who hit out at Massimiliano Allegri for not understanding the attacker.

The 21-year-old joined the Serie A champions this summer for an initial fee of €32 million and scored on his competitive debut in the Supercoppa win over Lazio.

The Argentine was a substitute in the shock 1-0 defeat to Udinese, however, with Kingsley Koman preferred as Mario Mandzukic's partner from the start.

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri has claimed that Dybala "needs to grow" if he is to nail down a regular starting spot, but Zamparini has hit out at the former AC Milan coach for not utilising Dybala's talent correctly.

"If someone has to grow at Juve, it's the coach, not the Argentine," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Allegri is like all Italian coaches, he thinks he can influence the game, but he doesn't understand that talented players must be let loose.

"I'm backing Dybala because I've never seen a player so strong at my Palermo. Within two or three years, he could become the new Messi.

"Juve have got a great deal with him."

Advocaat desperate to bolster 'sleeping' Sunderland defence

Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat has reiterated his desire for new signings after revealing that his defenders are often caught "sleeping" in set-piece training.

Advocaat was persuaded to stay on at the Stadium of Light having kept the club up last season, but has seen his side take just one point from their opening three Premier League matches.

Sunderland shipped seven goals prior to Saturday's 1-1 draw with Swansea City, with Younes Kaboul and Adam Matthews enduring tricky introductions into Advocaat's defensive ranks.

"I am not happy at all," said the Dutch coach.

"We have to improve and we can only improve if we get some other players in. We really need two or three more players.

"I have told everyone and I will keep saying it until the last day - but not much has happened.

"[Sporting director] Lee Congerton is doing a great job with little money. We really appreciate what he has done so far - but we need more.

"The last line [the defence] has to improve. We put them together [in training on Monday] and the co-operation on some set pieces was very poor.

"Instead of watching the ball and the man, sometimes they were sleeping and you don't know why. We can only do better but the first two games were very bad."

Cabaye: No big clubs wanted me

Yohan Cabaye has admitted that no "big" Premier League clubs were in the running for his signature when he opted to join Crystal Palace.

Palace completed one of the coups of the transfer window when they shelled out a club-record fee to bring France international Cabaye back to England following his frustrating spell at Paris Saint-Germain.

The move to Selhurst Park reunited Cabaye with Alan Pardew, under whom he enjoyed two-and-a-half impressive years at Newcastle United before leaving for PSG in January 2014.

Speaking to French television programme Canal Football Club, midfielder Cabaye - who scored on his Premier League debut for Palace - said: "No one from the big clubs came forward, but it's not a default choice [signing for Palace] - far from it.

"I have been reunited with my former coach and I was not heading into the unknown. I feel really good."

On his time with PSG, the 29-year-old added: "It didn't go as I wanted in Paris, but I have no hard feelings towards anyone.

"It's hard when you know you're in a team where you're going to try things and, in the end, when you try them, sometimes you pull them off and sometimes not.

"I know that when I arrived, perhaps there were certain players that didn't want me to come. As soon as there was a ball lost, an interception missed or not the right pass, people would shout, would look at you strangely."

Arsenal stars praise Gabriel and Chambers for Liverpool clean sheet

Hector Bellerin and Petr Cech backed the defensive duo after they stepped in for Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker to help the Gunners earn a goalless draw on Monday night

Arsenal duo Hector Bellerin and Petr Cech have praised teammates Gabriel and Calum Chambers after the duo were "thrown into" central defence for Monday night's 0-0 draw against Liverpool.

Gabriel, 24, and Chambers, 20, made their first appearances of the season in Monday's stalemate at the Emirates Stadium, pairing up in central defence for the first time.

Regular centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were unavailable due to illness and a back injury respectively, but Gabriel and Chambers held firm to secure a point for Arsene Wenger's side.

"I think they had a good game, the fact that we are going home with a clean sheet says a lot," Bellerin told Arsenal's official website.

"It is difficult to be thrown into a game like this when you haven't had a lot of game time."

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech came to the rescue of his team with a couple of stunning saves in the first half, but the former Chelsea man was still impressed by the duo directly ahead of him.

"You need to believe that the players you have in the team they are for a reason and today Gabriel and Calum, they jumped in, they obviously did their best to help us win the game," he said.

"Today shows you need to have a squad full of players capable of playing anytime and today it proved that we are lucky to have four ready defenders."

Benzema dismisses Real Madrid exit talk

Karim Benzema has dismissed speculation he could leave Real Madrid for Arsenal by insisting the Santiago Bernabeu is his home.

But Real Madrid's insistence that Benzema would not be sold has been unwavering and last week reported a growing acceptance at Arsenal that they will not get their man this summer.

And after returning to first-team training at Madrid's Valdebebas training complex on Monday, Benzema has finally gone public to distance himself from reports of a possible transfer.

For all those clowns who want to make believe things at my fans. Here this is my home ! #HalaMadridYNadaMas pic.twitter.com/og6tMZKoft

— Karim Benzema (@Benzema) August 24, 2015

Benzema's decision makes it likelier that Petr Cech will remain Arsenal's only significant first-team signing this summer, with Arsene Wenger insisting he will only sanction moves for elite targets.

The 27-year-old joined Real Madrid from Lyon in 2009 and has won one La Liga title and the Champions League since his arrival. Last season, he scored 22 goals in 46 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Evra is my idol, says new Juventus signing Alex Sandro

The new arrival in Turin has confessed his admiration for the veteran France full-back, whom he will challenge for a place in the starting XI

New Juventus signing Alex Sandro has revealed his idol to be Patrice Evra - the very man he will challenge for the starting left-back berth in Turin.

Brazil international Alex Sandro arrived at Juventus Stadium from Porto for a fee of €26 million last week and says it has always been an ambition to play for the Serie A champions.

"Playing here has always been a dream for me and now it's coming true," he said. "Juventus was the perfect choice for me. Coming here will help me to develop as both a person and player.

"Juventus are a team I've always been fond of. As a youngster I admired Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet.

"After Porto went out of the Champions League I cheered for Juventus."

Discussing his inspirations, Alex Sandro added: "Roberto Carlos and Patrice Evra are the two players who I've most looked up to."

Alex Sandro could make his debut when Juve take on Roma this weekend, having been an unused substitute for Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Udinese, and is hungry to play his own part in the club's history.

"I always give 100 per cent to win," he said. "I'm confident I'll be able to show my qualities both during games and in training.

"Serie A is a tough league and the most tactical in the world. I know playing here will help me to develop.

"We're working hard and will strive to win all the competitions we're involved in this season."

Preston North End - Watford Preview: Hornets hope to re-find scoring touch

Watford are hoping to get their strikers back scoring when they travel to Deepdale to take on Preston North End in the League Cup second round on Tuesday.

Quique Sanchez Flores' men scored twice to earn a point away to Everton on the Premier League's opening day but have since been held to goalless draws by West Brom and Southampton, despite both Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo looking lively.

Winger Ikechi Anya takes heart from his side's newfound defensive solidity and is backing Watford's frontmen to re-find their lethal touch before long.

"I think it was the other way around last year, everyone was very complimentary of our firepower and maybe it was our defence that was the weak link," Anya told Hornets Player.

"But now we've sorted that out, and we know with the likes of Troy [Deeney] and [Odion] Ighalo that we’re going to get goals - it's just a matter of time.

"As long as we're keeping clean sheets we're on the right path."

Preston, meanwhile, could turn to Jermaine Beckford as an impact substitute as they seek to spring a League Cup upset at home to the Hornets.

A former Premier League player with Everton, Beckford famously scored Leeds United's winner in an FA Cup third-round triumph over Manchester United in 2010.

And the striker may yet be tasked with delivering another knockout blow after returning from injury to make his first appearance of the campaign in Preston's 2-1 Championship defeat to Ipswich Town at the weekend.

North End boss Simon Grayson told the Lancashire Evening Post : "Jermaine picked up a knee injury during the Motherwell game in pre-season.

"We had to be careful that we did not bring him back too early. It's been disappointing that we have lost him for the period of time that we have.

"Twenty minutes on Saturday is a bonus and he certainly won't be starting on Tuesday, but it's a big boost to have him back."

Saturday's loss to Ipswich ended Preston's unbeaten start to the season - which had seen them pick up five points from three matches on their return to the second tier - either side of a 3-1 League Cup first-round win at Crewe Alexandra.

Having turned down Higuain, Dybala & Martinez, has Wenger erred in Benzema pursuit?

Arsene Wenger is used to being hammered for a lack of activity in the transfer market, but the Arsenal manager has made exactly the right call in the case of Karim Benzema.

The Gunners have made Benzema their top target for the summer transfer window but their hopes are fading of striking a £45 million deal before the end of the month.

Benzema, 27, is happy at Real Madrid and the club have no desire to sell him, especially with no direct replacement lined up and the player a favourite of president Florentino Perez.

The Frenchman took to Twitter to reiterate his allegiance to the Spanish giants on Monday and on the face of it, it might look like Arsenal have wasted the last few months on an unattainable target.

But sources at the north London club insist they were given encouragement earlier in the summer that an agreement could be reached.

And as Wenger keeps saying, he is only in the market for “exceptional” players.

 Arsenal are no longer at a stage where they need to sign squad fillers. Just look at how little impact Danny Welbeck made last season after his £16m transfer from Manchester United.

The squad is packed with quality and Wenger’s aim this summer has been to sprinkle it with a little stardust as he did in the two previous years with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

Benzema falls into that category and is the type of A-list striker who could help Arsenal win their first title since 2004.

Wenger believes he has perfectly capable forward options.

Alexis scored 16 league goals in a sensational first season at the club and is likely to play more minutes in a central role this season.

Olivier Giroud scored 18 goals last season in all competitions; Theo Walcott has just signed a new contract worth more than £100,000-a-week and Welbeck is playing only his second season for the club after a difficult first campaign.

At this stage, off the back of two FA Cup wins in a row and such a strong end to last season, Wenger is only looking for players that offer a guaranteed improvement to the squad.

He ticked one box with Petr Cech. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, a proven winner and there is extra joy in the fact he signed from a rival club.

But other than Benzema, what strikers could have the same impact and really improve Arsenal’s frontline?

Wenger has been right to nail his colours to the mast with Benzema. There is no point in signing players simply for the sake of it.

The Gunners were invited to bid for the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala and Jackson Martinez this summer - but they have only had eyes for Benzema.

 Wenger’s argument would be that there is no proof that Dybala or Martinez would have been able to provide a genuine upgrade, particularly coming from weaker and slower paced leagues. Arsenal were comfortable in allowing both to join other clubs.

Higuain has a more proven CV but Napoli’s asking price would likely eclipse the fee Arsenal would have to pay for Benzema. There are also questions over how he would deal with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

And beyond that, the options are slim. Wenger has recently bemoaned the limited pool of talented strikers in world football and believes modern coaching is partly to blame.

“There are a few reasons [for it],” Wenger said last week. “One of the basic ones is that, linked with the centre-forwards, we develop less centre-backs in Europe. Before, when the teams practised in the park on bad pitches in winter, we had to lift the ball, we had to go behind, and today the pitches are all perfect.

“In training there is only passing so we can only develop midfielders now. All the education is about passing on the ground on perfect pitches.”

It was a perceptive comment from a manager who has been right to go with his instincts and gamble on Benzema this summer.

Balotelli set for AC Milan medical

Mario Balotelli is set for a medical on Tuesday as he nears a season-long loan switch back to AC Milan from Liverpool.

The Rossoneri confirmed at the weekend that they were keen to reunite with the Italy international, who left for Anfield in a £16 million deal last summer.

And Milan have now announced via their official television channel that the former Manchester City striker is due for a medical in Italy ahead of finalising his switch back to Serie A.

Balotelli managed just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances for Liverpool last season and has been frozen out of Brendan Rodgers' plans since the summer arrival of Christian Benteke from Aston Villa.

"Balotelli convinced us to get him back," Milan CEO Adriano Galliani said prior to the 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina on Sunday. "He is aware that we are giving him his very last chance."

Balotelli scored 30 goals in 54 appearances in all competitions during his first stint with Milan.

Arsenal cannot win the title unless they upgrade on Giroud

Even in the cocooned world of Premier League football, news of Arsenal's pursuit of Karim Benzema would surely not have escaped the attention of Olivier Giroud this summer.

While the Gunners players have continually talked up their title chances, there remains the burning question over whether they can do it this term without a world-class striker.

Manchester City can boast Sergio Aguero; Chelsea have Diego Costa in their ranks. Can Arsenal really win the Premier League with Giroud leading the line?

Thierry Henry spoke for many Gunners supporters last season when he claimed that the club need to sign a "top, top-quality striker to win this league again".

While Giroud has promised a "conversation between two men" with Henry over his compatriot's comments, the 28-year-old has no doubt already spoken to Arsene Wenger about the manager’s plans for him.

He might not have acknowledged it publicly but Wenger agrees with Henry about the need for an A-list striker to make the difference.

That is why the north London club have spent the summer chasing the £45 million signature of Benzema from Real Madrid. There is an increasing sense that the Spanish giants will not sell the forward but that will not stop the Gunners from testing their resolve until the transfer window closes.

If they fail, Arsenal will spend the campaign reliant on Giroud with support from Alexis Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck.

Ozil reveals how Arsenal plan to beat Liverpool

The midfielder believes tactical perfection is needed, while his manager Arsene Wenger has backed the German to put in an influential display

Mesut Ozil believes it will take tactical perfection from Arsenal in their showdown Liverpool on Monday, warning they "know exactly how" to beat their opponents.
The Gunners will be aiming to cement their status as genuine Premier League contenders when they host Brendan Rodgers' unbeaten side at the Emirates Stadium in an early title showdown.
Ozil starred in a 4-1 victory over the Reds in April when he netted a free kick and the former Real Madrid midfielder is calling for his side to replicate that performance.
"We are at home and we know exactly how we can beat Liverpool," the playmaker told Arsenal's official website. "That is what we want to do on Monday.
"I remember that we delivered a really convincing display [in April's win]. In the first half we decided the game because we had a high level of concentration and wanted to utilise our potential. We want to do that again this time.
"We were highly concentrated. The manager gave us tasks on the pitch and we executed them perfectly. That's what we will have to do on Monday again.
"We have to believe in ourselves as we have the potential to beat every team and we will show that on Monday."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who admitted he struggles putting together his midfield, meanwhile backed the Germany international to be their catalyst for victory.
"Mesut is now completely committed to the club. Maybe in the first year he didn't know a lot about it. He came from Real Madrid and he didn't know how long and whether it would work for him, whether he would enjoy it or not," the Frenchman said.
"I believe now he is completely on board, committed and focused on the results of the club."
Arsenal bounced back from an opening day defeat to London rivals West Ham by defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 last Sunday.

Luis Enrique refuses to discuss Neymar to Man Utd rumours

The Brazil international has been linked with a late transfer window departure from Barcelona, but the coach was having none of it

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has refused to comment on speculation linking star forward Neymar to Manchester United.
The Brazil international, 23, has been linked to a sensational switch to Old Trafford, although there have been suggestions that the rumours are a way for the Brazilian to bag a better contract at Camp Nou.
Luis Enrique, whose Catalans claimed a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday thanks to a Luis Suarez volley, did not shy away from expressing his disdain at the reports.
Asked if there had been any contact between United and Barca about Neymar, the coach told reporters: "I heard Neymar and another club and I am no longer interested in this question.
"I don't talk about rumours and this kind of thing. I am just focused on analysing my team. In perfect English. You got it?"
Neymar, who is contracted until June 2018, played no part in Barca's victory as he continues to recover from a bout of mumps.

Referee wrong to deny Ronaldo penalty - Butragueno

The Blancos official pinned blame on official Javier Fernandez and defended the Blancos' showing despite failing to score against the newly-promoted team

Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno blamed the referee for his decision not to award Cristiano Ronaldo a penalty as they failed to break down Sporting Gijon in Sunday's 0-0 draw.
Match official Javier Fernandez deemed Sergio Alvarez's challenge on the Portuguese star fair, much to the frustration of the visitors, who could not find the breakthrough in an inauspicious return to La Liga for Rafael Benitez.
The controversial call ultimately cost the Blancos an opening day win according to Butragueno, who defended the team's performance in spite of them failing to score.
"There was the incident in the first half when Ronaldo was pulled when he had the advantage," the official told Canal Plus after the match. "It was clear from replays that it was a penalty, but the referee did not see it that way.
"It was a very difficult game for us. We had to face a very seasoned team who pushed high up the pitch in front of a passionate home crowd.
"We regularly pushed into the Gijon box but couldn't find the goal that would give us peace in the first half.
"We made the game ours in the second half and had them under siege, but goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar was brilliant. The team deserved to win going by the number of chances we had and it was not the result we expected.
"Nevertheless, the team put in a great effort despite not getting the win. Now we have to focus on the next clash against Real Betis."
The former Madrid striker then praised new signing Mateo Kovacic, who was thrown on in a bid to break the deadlock just five days after his arrival from Inter in the 70th minute.
"He came on at a very difficult time and proved he had personality, wanting the ball against a team that were determined to defend," Butragueno concluded.
Benitez will be desperate for his first win as Madrid coach against Betis next Saturday, when his team host the promoted outfit at the Santiago Bernabeu.

I'm already under pressure, admits Bilic

The new West Ham manager masterminded a win against Arsenal in their Premier League opener but results since have been disappointing and there were boos after losing to Bournemouth

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic concedes that the heat is already on to deliver results following an indifferent start to the 2015-16 season.

The Hammers opened their Premier League campaign with a stunning victory at Arsenal but have since lost consecutive matches following Saturday's 4-3 home defea by newly promoted Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Croatian boss, who replaced Sam Allardyce on a three-year deal this summer, is aware that he must address West Ham's form, having already seen the club bow out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round.

"I am under pressure," Bilic told the press. "That comes with the territory and that is why I have to turn it around.

"We were again second-best [against Bournemouth] and I don't like this situation. Playing like this, we can't expect to win many games.

Asked about boos from supporters, the 46-year-old replied: "I can't blame the fans. They are behind us, to be fair, in the first half and the second half but what do you expect if we are two down against a team?

"Okay, they are a good team who got promoted and, to be fair, it could have been worse at 2-0 down. The reactions from the fans were normal. The expectations are high anywhere you go."

Bayern confirm they will not challenge Man City for De Bruyne

Manchester City's chances of landing Wolfsburg star Kevin De Bruyne's signature this summer were boosted when Bayern Munich press officer Markus Horwick removed his side from the running.
Last season's Bundesliga Player of the Year has been linked to City all summer - with the Etihad outfit having made a £50 million bid - while German champions Bayern are also believed to be in the running.
However, Horwick declared the Bavarians agreed at board level earlier this year that they have no intention of pursuing the Belgian this summer.
"We definitely won’t do anything about signing De Bruyne," he told SID. "The board already decided this a long time ago."
His statements pave the way for City to secure their target, though Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs earlier insisted the club are working to keep their talisman and hold off advances from the Premier League outfit.
"I believe that he could feel at home in Wolfsburg for another one or two years," the official told Sport 1.
Nevertheless, Allofs also admitted it is not in the German club's interest to turn away offers of a certain size: "I want to emphasise that we are making an effort to convince him to stay, but we consider everything should there be serious offers.
"We'll discuss it and make a decision."
Head coach Dieter Hecking had suggested the rumours are affecting the 24-year-old, but he nevertheless insists keeping him for 2015-16 is part of the club's plan.
"We are still doing all we can," he told Kicker. "We want Kevin to stay. That's our main priority."
De Bruyne was signed from Chelsea for €25m in January 2014 and inspired Wolfsburg to second in the Bundesliga and victory in the DFB-Pokal last season.
The playmaker has a contract at Wolfsburg until June 2019.

Smalling relishing in lead role in Manchester United defence

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is thriving on his lead role at Old Trafford this season as he continues to dominate opponents.

The England international has grown into United's key defensive figure in 2015-16, helping Louis van Gaal's men to three consecutive Premier League clean sheets alongside makeshift centre-back partner Daley Blind and full-backs Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian.

Smalling has previously seen injuries prevent him from performing and playing on a consistent basis but the 25-year-old is now fit and firing under Van Gaal's leadership after coming out on top against Aleksandar Mitrovic in a physical battle during Saturday's goalless draw with Newcastle.

"I have always liked that competition with the striker and obviously Daley is not that sort of centre-back who is going to dominate so it's a case of I take that mantle on and I am enjoying it," the defender told reporters.

"I wouldn't say I hadn't done it previously in games because I feel like I bullied quite a few players in matches but it's a case of making sure there is that consistency and, hopefully, I can get that consistency where it can be on show every week.

"I feel like I am playing well and I am enjoying my football. It is good to keep playing each game and knowing that there are not too many changes at the moment because we are doing well, so I hope to keep that up.

"It's comfortable playing next to Daley. Sometimes, if there is a big opponent, we will swap around but he can handle himself as well so I am enjoying playing alongside him."

PSG bid for Kurzawa was rejected, reveal Monaco

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has confirmed his club have rejected a bid from Paris Saint-Germain for defender Layvin Kurzawa.

According to reports, the French champions offered their Ligue 1 rivals €18 million for the 22-year-old left-back, who still has three years left on his contract at the Stade Louis II.

Vasilyev refused to confirm the size of the bid but did disclose that it had been turned down.

"We have, for now, rejected PSG's offer," he is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"It is true that there is still ongoing contact [between the two clubs]. However, it is also true that there are several clubs fixed on Layvin."

It has been claimed that Monaco will be forced to cash in on Kurzawa if they this week fail to overturn their 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League play-off round tie with Valencia.

However, Vasilyev insists that the principality club are under no financial pressure to sell key players - even if they miss out on Europe's elite club competition.

"I cannot tell you what is going to happen before August 31," he added. "But I have said that, economically, we do not need to make transfers.

"The books are balanced and I have provisioned for not playing in the European Cup in the budget. So, [Kurzawa's future] is not related at all to the result against Valencia.

"I have always said, though, if we receive a great offer and if the player wants to leave, then we will think about it."

Kurzawa came through the youth ranks at Monaco and has already been capped at international level by France.

PSG are looking for a new left-back, with their current first-choice, Maxwell, now 33 and the Brazilian's understudy, Lucas Digne, poised to join Roma.

Valverde: Athletic braced for Barcelona backlash

Ernesto Valverde says that while beating Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana has given Athletic Bilbao a "slight advantage" ahead of Sunday's Liga meeting at San Mames, the Basques will ultimately only be able to do what the Catalans allow them to.
Athletic stunned the football world by routing Barca 4-0 in the first leg of their Supercopa clash before then lifting the trophy after recording a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.
Valverde freely admits that the Basques' confidence has been boosted by those two results but he is not expecting as easy a ride when Barca return to San Mames for their Primera Division opener.
"I reckon that we have another hard task ahead of us, playing against the favourites to win the league title," he told reporters.
"It will be a very tough game, but we will do our best to get the result we are looking for. There shouldn't be any great surprises in terms of our team selection but we could try some tactical changes to try to catch them out.
"However, with Barca, no matter how hard you try to do your thing, all you can end up doing is what they allow you to do.
"But we will go for the win. In these types of games, it's not only the physical state that's important, the mental state counts for a lot, too.
"The two Super Cup games give us a slight advantage because we were capable of facing up to them effectively, although pulling one over on them again won't be so easy."

Alli hails 'dream come true' after maiden goal

Dele Alli says that scoring his first goal for Tottenham was a "dream come true", but has bemoaned the club's 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Saturday.

Alli, a January signing from MK Dons, netted the opening goal in the 81st minute at the King Power Stadium, as he headed home Nacer Chadli's deep cross.

However, Riyad Mahrez immediately cancelled out the 19-year-old's strike and Spurs were left to settle for a point, though Alli was thrilled to open his account for Mauricio Pochettino's men.

"First of all, I'm delighted to get some game time," Alli told Tottenham's official website. "Everyone wants to play as much as they can and I'm thankful to the gaffer for bringing me on.

"I found myself in the box and it was a natural reaction to put it in the net. I went straight over to the Spurs fans and thank them for their support.

"It was a dream come true, I wanted to score that first goal and I was so happy to do it but when they scored straight after, it completely killed it.

"I'd definitely say we were the stronger team but you can't take anything away from Leicester, they've started the season so well and it's a tough place to come and win, but we should have taken the three points."

David Moyes believes European qualification is beyond Real Sociedad

David Moyes believes it is too early for Real Sociedad to target European qualification this season and says he is still looking to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Moyes took over at Real Sociedad in November 2014 after the Basque club made a shocking start to their 2014-15 La Liga campaign. The Scottish manager led them to a creditable 12th place finish in his first managerial role after his sacking by Manchester United in April 2014.

The former Everton and Manchester United manager is clearly anxious to take the San Sebastián club to the next level but their only real signing of note since the end of last term has been the Brazilian forward Jonathas from relegated Elche.

“I don’t think that right now we have to have Europe as a goal,” Moyes told a news conference before his side’s La Liga opener at Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday.

“Considering what we did last season, looking to Europe is a very big step. I hope we can do it but I don’t think we have to have that expectation from the start.”

Moyes said he was satisfied with the new players who have arrived but added that coaches always wanted more. He gave little away when asked about reports suggesting that the club may strike a deal to take their former midfielder Asier Illarramendi on loan from Real Madrid.

Illarramendi, 25, moved to the Bernabéu two years ago but has been unable to hold down a regular place in their starting line-up. “If a midfielder we believe can help us was available I am sure the president would be interested,” Moyes said.

“ I am happy with the midfielders we have and there is competition for all the positions, which means the players have to perform very well to win a place in the team.”

Moyes also said that he expects Pedro to be a success in the Premier League after the Spain forward completed his move to Chelsea this week. “I think it can take time for these players to settle, and they must be given the opportunity to do that,” he said. “I think Pedro coming into the Premier League will add to the quality that the league has got. It has a lot of great players, and Pedro is certainly one.”

Florian Thauvin: Newcastle United’s ‘new Franck Ribéry’ desperate to impress

From Florian Thauvin’s bedroom window in a hotel on Newcastle’s quayside he has an excellent view of the river Tyne. So far, one thing in particular has struck the former Marseille winger about his new habitat. “There’s lot of bridges in this city,” he remarks. “I can see one from my room.”

It is perhaps an appropriate vista for a 22-year-old Steve McClaren trusts will bridge the sizeable physical gap between Ligue 1 and the Premier League before living up to the hype which has seen him dubbed the “new Franck Ribéry”.

Arguably most likely to be deployed as a left winger at St James’ Park, Thauvin can also play as a classic No10 or wide on the right. He first attracted the attentions of Graham Carr, Newcastle’s chief scout, as a youngster at Bastia and, after starring for France in the 2013 World Youth Cup, came close to joining Arsenal.

Last season he struggled in a mainly right-sided capacity at Marseille and ended up in “a flops of the season” XI compiled by L’Equipe. That failed to shake Newcastle’s belief that, in Thauvin’s case, form is temporary but class permanent.

Accordingly, they have invested £13m in the left-footed potential of a creator who joins Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba as the products of a near £50m Tyneside summer spending spree.

“Last year was hard for me,” Thauvin says. “But I’m here now and I think I can have a fantastic season. Newcastle have bought very good players this summer, young players like me, and hopefully it can be a springboard for this club, and for me, to go on to big things.”

He is already anxious to show precisely what he can do, preferably against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday. “I’m a fast player on the wing,” he says. “I will keep the ball and give great service to the forwards. I can bring something different to the team.

“Physically, I’m ready to play at Manchester United. I can’t wait to see Old Trafford. It’s a great ground, a massive team and I can’t wait to get out there if the coach says he wants me to. I’m not too sure where I’m going to play yet. It’s up to the coach. But wherever it is, I’ll make sure I’m up to the task.”

Sitting alongside an interpreter, with his girlfriend watching from the back of the room, Thauvin is an amalgam of courtesy and slight shyness but his inner confidence should not be underestimated. Told that Chris Waddle believes he will eventually star for a leading Premier League club, he smiles before replying with typical politeness and trademark assurance.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Chris Waddle for that nice compliment,” he says. “It’s very kind. I hope to be one of the best players in the world. I need to make sure I work hard to achieve that goal.”

He affects unconcern as to whether he will best placed to succeed on the left or the right.

“I like playing both. On the left I can put great crosses in and give good service to the forward. On the right I come inside and shoot or slip a pass in behind the defence. It will be very hard but playing for France at Euro 2016 is definitely a goal. If I can have a good season, I don’t see why not.”

More immediately, he is looking forward to facing Arsenal at St James’ Park on 29 August. “I’ve been told it’s a magnificent atmosphere here,” he said. “Very similar to Marseille’s stadium. I can’t wait.”

The warm mistral wind blowing across the Stade Vélodrome will be replaced by slightly harsher North Sea breezes but other comparisons are more favourable. “I’m surprised in a good way to see such a well organised club here,” he says. “I had my first training session today and it was really, really good. The manager and I have had a long chat. He’s asked me to be an important player. He wants me to get goals and he wants me to supply them too.”

McClaren seems most excited by Thauvin’s ability to supply the sort of crosses David Ginola once delivered. “Florian’s a personality,” Newcastle’s manager says. “He’s still very young and has a long way to go but he’s a player we believe that, in terms of end product, in terms of crosses, can give us what we’ve not had.”

Scottish roundup: Adam Rooney scores two as Aberdeen defeat Dundee

Hearts collected a fifth straight Scottish Premiership victory with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Partick Thistle to maintain their perfect start to the season. The hosts went ahead through Osman Sow in the 29th minute before Sam Nicholson added a second after Juanma Delgado’s penalty was saved. Delgado made up for his miss from 12 yards to put the contest beyond doubt.

The result keeps Hearts two points clear at the top.

Aberdeen preserved their 100% record in the league as Adam Rooney’s double delivered a 2-0 home win over Dundee. A header midway through the second half and his injury-time penalty saw off a Dundee side who were distinctly second best.

The Dons were in control of the contest from the start, but struggled to test Dundee goalkeeper Scott Bain during an otherwise dominant first-half performance. Dundee rallied after the interval but they failed to seriously test the opposition goalkeeper and Rooney’s goals, added to the late red card Gary Harkins received in conceding the spot-kick, proved a painful lesson for the visitors.

Inverness are still waiting for a first victory of the season after sliding to a 2-0 defeat against Hamilton. Carlton Morris’s confident 18th-minute strike gave Accies the advantage at the Caledonian Stadium. With Inverness struggling to find a killer touch in front of goal they conceded a second to Louis Longridge in the late stages to put the game to bed.

Two goals from Steven MacLean helped St Johnstone to come from behind and beat Motherwell 2-1 at McDiarmid Park for their first league win of the season . Controlled possession in the first period and took the lead through Louis Moult’s first goal for the club. The Saints turned the contest around in the second half and MacLean’s two close-range strikes ended a poor start to the season with an exit the Europa League and failure to find a win in their first four league matches. The away side’s bad day was compounded when Jake Taylor was shown a second yellow card for simulation with four minutes left.

Kilmarnock are still searching for their first win of the season as they conceded four first-half goals in a 4-0 defeat at home to Ross County. Once again Killie fell behind to early goals at Rugby Park with the visitors scoring through Liam Boyce and Jonathan Franks within five minutes. Boyce then struck again before Andrew Davies completed the haul in what was a perfect first half from the Highlanders.

Kevin De Bruyne agrees personal terms with Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne has agreed personal terms with Manchester City, with the deal to make the Belgian Manuel Pellegrini’s fifth major acquisition of the summer now dependent on the club offering a fee that is acceptable to Wolfsburg.

The German club’s position is that they do not have any financial imperative to sell De Bruyne. City acknowledge this but believe a third bid of £50-55m should secure De Bruyne’s signature.

The 24-year-old is thought to have been offered a five-year contract worth in the region of £200,000 a week. De Bruyne is keen to make the move back to the Premier League after his failed stint at Chelsea. He departed the west London club for Wolfsburg after two years in January 2014.

De Bruyne failed to establish himself at Chelsea. Despite a stellar talent there were doubts about his willingness to fight for a place in the side. José Mourinho believed he had the potential to be good enough for his strongest XI. But he wanted De Bruyne to fight for a starting berth rather than assume this should be guaranteed.

Pellegrini has so far bought Raheem Sterling for £49m, Fabian Delph (£8m), Patrick Roberts (£11m) and Nicolás Otamendi, who cost £32m when he signed on Thursday.

Should De Bruyne finally arrive for £50m City’s total spend for the summer – including the £2m spent on 18-year-old Enes Unal – would reach £152m.

Brendan Rodgers says ‘dominating space’ can help Liverpool win at Arsenal

Brendan Rodgers has said Liverpool will receive an important psychological lift with victory at Arsenal and that dominating space, not the ball, is the key to winning at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool face Arsène Wenger’s side on Monday having made a 100% start to the new Premier League campaign and aiming for their first win at the Emirates since August 2011. With Arsenal losing their first game of the season at home to West Ham United, and his team recording two 1-0 victories while integrating several new signings, Rodgers believes another away win would have a major impact on Liverpool’s morale.

The Liverpool manager, who saw his team collect only five points from a possible 24 against the top four last season, said: “It is a game against a rival you are going to be competing with at the top end of the table and while Monday’s game won’t give a full picture of how it will finish up it is important for confidence and psychologically.

“Arsenal, like many teams, are still trying to find rhythm and flow but while doing that you want to win. West Ham got a good result there but with [Alexis] Sánchez back he is a real catalyst for them and they played well at Crystal Palace. It is a challenge we are looking forward to.”

Rodgers has clearly done his homework on Arsenal’s problems on home soil, insisting there is a familiar pattern to away wins at the Emirates.

He said: “If you assess games against Arsenal we have always had dominance of the ball, especially at home. If you assess the last 10 games Arsenal have lost at home, it was about dangerous possession for the teams who won.

They only averaged four shots on target with 43% possession. That tells you you don’t need to dominate the ball but you can dominate the space. That is important in the away games. Tactically we’ll arrive in a good mind about how we can win it. There are certain games you look at the approach to get you the result and that is something we have been working on this week.”

At a press conference held on Saturday to preview the Arsenal fixture, Rodgers also entered the debate over Christian Benteke’s controversial winner against Bournemouth. The Premier League has written to all 20 clubs to clarify the new offside rules after the linesman Harry Lennard wrongly allowed Benteke’s goal on Monday to stand despite Philippe Coutinho being offside, attempting to play the ball and distracting Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Rodgers claimed Lennard had “made an excellent decision in terms of assessing very quickly there might have been an intent but there is no way Philippe Coutinho is going to get the ball”. He also praised Benteke’s movement and finishing before adding, strangely: “Of course if I am Eddie Howe and Bournemouth I am going to be disappointed because it was only a few weeks ago we were told that was offside and shouldn’t count.”