In the aftermath of Everton’s defeat to Manchester United over the weekend, which sees the Toffees hovering perilously above the Premier League relegation zone, Roberto Martinez had the following to say about Radamel Falcao’s winning goal:

“We’re disappointed with the second goal. I thought the referee made a major, major error. Steven Pienaar was on the ground, we made it clear to the referee to stop the game and he allowed it to play on and it was very, very disappointing.

“Steven receives a knock and he goes to ground, the ball is in front of him and the referee is well aware of it. He is talking with fourth official.

“It is a clear-cut decision. The law says if the player is on the ground and the ball is not in a dangerous position you need to stop the game.

“Man United attacks and the ball ends up in our net and I don’t think that is fair. I think that action was a big mistake from the referee.”

Watching the particular incident again renders the Everton manager’s claim somewhat dubious. Pienaar goes to ground near the Manchester United penalty area as soon as the Red Devils launch a long ball forward which leads to Falcao’s goal just 25 seconds later. Even if he had not gone down, it is highly unlikely that Pienaar would have backtracked from such an advanced position in order to help out with the defence, given the speed of the move that leads to the goal. One could also argue that the ball was in fact in a dangerous position throughout the move and that halting the game would have conversely been unfair on United.

Martinez has every right to feel aggrieved at the defeat, especially when Leighton Baines’ missed penalty at the end of the first half could have seen his side leave Old Trafford with at least a point. However, crying foul over Falcao’s legitimate goal smacks of sour grapes on the Everton boss’s behalf, and is perhaps the first sign that the pressure is starting to get to the usually cool-headed Spaniard.

Replicating last season’s fifth-placed finish – during which Everton amassed a club record points total – was always going to be a tall order for Martinez given that the Toffees’ rivals have all strengthened considerably. Manchester United are no longer the laughing stock of the league and Tottenham Hotspur look stronger, and crucially, more stable, than last year.

Consequently, a top-seven finish coupled with decent runs in both domestic and European cup competitions would surely have constituted a successful second season for Martinez in the eyes of the majority of Everton fans.

However, Everton’s alarming start to the season means that even these relatively modest aspirations may be somewhat optimistic. With 13 goals in seven games, they are the joint-third top scorers in the league, yet the 16 goals they have conceded is the most of any team. Martinez spent the bulk of his transfer budget on securing the services of Romelu Lukaku on a permanent basis, and although the marquee signing of the Belgian striker signals the club’s lofty ambitions, the failure to sufficiently strengthen the defence was, in retrospect, a glaring oversight.

Sylvain Distin has come under criticism for a number of errors and at 36 years of age is on his last legs, and while Martinez may have viewed John Stones as a successor to Distin at centre-back this season, the England youngster’s injury at Old Trafford leaves Everton’s defensive options stretched worryingly thin.

A lengthy and gruelling Europa League campaign may also test the limits of Martinez’ squad. Success in the competition should always be desirable for the teams competing, yet it has proved to be notoriously hard for clubs to accommodate a productive league campaign with participation in European football’s second-tier cup competition. Luckily for the Toffees, they do not have to travel far for the remaining away games in their group, and these ties against Lille and Wolfsburg should not induce any travel fatigue, yet long journeys to the far reaches of Eastern Europe remain a possibility if they are to progress in the competiton, which could easily take its toll on the players and ultimately impact the team’s domestic performances.

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After the giddy, record-breaking heights of his debut season, the honeymoon period is very much over for Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park, to be replaced by the harsh realities of managing a top-seven side with European aspirations. If he is able to shore up his defence and find a viable balance between domestic and continental commitments, Martinez can ensure that Everton will be celebrating another successful season in May, and the Spaniard undeniably has the talent and footballing knowledge to do so. However, in the increasingly ruthless world of modern football where instant success is paramount, what he does not have is time. A crucial sophomore season awaits.

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By most accounts, the majority of the footballing community would agree that Arsenal have made a disappointing start to the 2014/15 campaign. The Gunners currently sit sixth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Chelsea.

While several Arsenal fans have been calling for Wenger’s head among this season’s concerns, injuries to key players have certainly blighted any progress that his side intended to make in 2014/15.

However, as this excuse seems to crop up annually for the Gunners in their attempt to restore the glory days of the famed ‘Invincibles’ era, is there some kind of injury curse beginning to surface down at the Emirates?

This season has seen several influential figures, who would certainly make up Wenger’s starting XI if he had them all at his disposal, fall victim to a series of short and long term injuries that have been nothing but frustrating for the Arsenal fans. The Gunners’ French boss has seldom been able to use the dream combo of Ozil – Sanchez- Wallcott up front this season, and no matter what side of the fence you reside on regarding Arsenal, that comes as an overall shame.

Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Laurent Koscielny make up the remainder of big names to be consistently absent from first team action this season due to injury, with the latter figure in particular proving to be a big loss. In Koscielny’s absence, the Gunners have been restricted to using both Nacho Monreal and Mathieu Debuchy at centre-back, which is a move a club the size of Arsenal should never be making.

So just what is the reason behind this injury crisis? Well, for this season the 2014 World Cup certainly had a role to play in inflicting injury to some of the stars at the Emirates. For Wenger’s German contingency in particular, the extended football season over the summer has pushed some of Arsenal’s players to the very edge of their physical performance. For some, the burden has been simply too much to bare.

As well as this, Arsene Wenger has been quick to use the Champions League as another excuse behind his side’s current injury woes. In a recent press conference, the French boss was quick to remind everyone; “Let’s not forget, we have played eight Champions League games since the start of the season.”

Perhaps this notion has had a physical effect on his players, but this is no more than a weak excuse deployed by Wenger. Every team wanting to win the Champions League has to play through it, and if Arsenal’s summer recruitment hasn’t held up over the testing winter period that they always knew they were going to face, than perhaps that is the real factor behind the club’s current problems.

Regardless of who is to blame for Arsenal’s injury crisis, this has not been a problem that is exclusive to just the 2014/15 season. Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere seem incapable of playing out a full campaign because of injuries, whilst Robin Van Persie was always keeping the physio busy at Arsenal, yet somehow seemed in stronger shape than ever when he first joined rivals Manchester United in 2012.

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Ultimately, to the widespread frustration of all Gunners fans, it does in-fact seem that there is some kind of injury curse inflicting key players at the Emirates. If a similar issue were to happen to the Premier League’s other front runners, each club would most like suffer in the same way Arsenal have.

While it has been an important issue for the Gunners however, too much emphasis cannot be placed on such a phenomenon. Overall injuries simply aren’t the only factor behind the club’s indifferent start to the first half of the 2014/15 campaign.

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Spain may have let their grip on the international scene slip during the summer, but home to both the reigning Europa League and Champions League title holders, there’s no questioning the quality on display in La Liga.

Indeed, it’s a division that churns out talent after talent from their exceptionally well-run youth systems, many of which eventually make it to the Premier League.

Manchester United have been linked with plenty since the summer, so now that the January window is finally upon us, we could see a few La Liga stars making their anticipated moves to Old Trafford this month.

So if you want to impress your United-supporting mates with some transfer knowledge, be sure to check out the FIVE Football Fancast have picked as the most likely to turn up at Carrington this transfer window.

AYMERIC LAPORTE

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Manchester United will be in the market for a centre-back this January and recent speculation suggests they’re already on the verge of announcing a deal for Athletic Bilbao prodigy Aymeric Laporte.

Indeed, The Express claimed a £25million deal was ‘80% complete’ on Monday, whilst The Metro followed up on Tuesday, reporting that the young defender was ‘packing his bags’ for a trip to Old Trafford.

So who is this San Mames starlet? Well, having become the defensive bedrock of a Bilbao side that finished 4th in La Liga last season, amassing 66 league appearances since his December 2012 debut, Laporte’s importance to the Basque outfit has quickly generated attention throughout the Premier League, particularly from Arsenal and Chelsea.

The 20 year-old’s phenomenal athleticism, chiefly his pace and imperious leap, should serve him well in the English top flight, but it’s also blended with confidence in possession and an astute reading of the game, epitomised best by Laporte’s average of 3.9 interceptions per match this term – the highest rate of any La Liga player.

The France U21 looks like a real prospect, ready to ply his trade at a higher level. But The Metro also claim Bilbao and United are yet to reach an ultimate agreement on his transfer fee.

MIRANDA

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A failure to land Aymeric Laporte could see Manchester United revive their summer interest in Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda.

The Mattress Makers are arguably the best defensive side in Europe, boasting an unparalleled work ethic and organisation, leading them to last term’s La Liga title and the 2014 Champions League final.

Miranda and centre-back partner Diego Godin (also linked with an Old Trafford switch in recent times) have been at the heart of it, and whilst the latter almost certainly won’t be sold this month, as reported by The Express, Atletico will have no option if United trigger the former’s £24million release clause.

That’s a lot of money to spend on a 30 year-old centre-back, but the Brazil international’s track record since moving to Vincente Calderon – including Europa League, European Super Cup, Copa del Rey and domestic titles – speaks for itself. Over the last two full La Liga campaigns, Atletico have kept an incredible 40 clean sheets with Miranda a near permanence at the heart of their defence.

The South American’s eclectic physicality, particularly his height, power and pace, should make him a good fit for the Premier League – but can Louis van Gaal justify spending so much on a defender with only a few years left at the top of his trade?

SAMI KHEDIRA

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With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and a new deal yet to materialise, it would be incredibly surprising if a major club didn’t move for Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira this month.

Manchester United’s engine room lacks balance and the German international could well be the missing element, as a dynamic box-to-box with ruthless energy and fantastic defensive awareness.

A Champions League and World Cup winner, both accolades coming during the summer, the 27 year-old’s quality and experience at the top level of the game remains undoubted – as is his suitability to the Premier League, being blessed with brawn, tenacity and an aerially dominant 6 foot 2 frame.

The Express believe United will look to capitalise upon the former Stuttgart enforcer’s uncertain future this month and Goal.com report he could be available for just £10million – a more than reasonable price for such an established and well-proven midfielder.

Chelsea and Arsenal have also been mooted as potential sutiors however, per The Express once again, whilst Khedira’s injury problems could be a major turn-off. Prolonged sideline bouts have resulted in the German making just 29 appearances across all competitions over the last 18 months.

PEDRO

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Under a three-window transfer embargo, Barcelona are hardly in a position to be selling their established players this month.

But Pedro’s immediate future in the Catalan outfit’s starting Xi looks rather bleak. Last season, his first team spot was overtaken by summer 2013 arrival Neymar, and this term he’s found himself in the same situation in regards to £75million acquisition Luis Suarez.

The Spain international’s quality remains without doubt however, with four La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, a World Cup and a European Championship already on his CV, and Manchester United could certainly do with another speedy forward in their squad – perhaps even ending the days of Louis van Gaal’s 3-5-2 system.

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Much like former team-mate Alexis Sanchez, who has taken the English game by storm this season, Pedro’s mix of pace, industriousness, versatility and netting prowess, bagging 95 goals in 294 appearances for Barcelona and yet to finish a campaign under the double-figures mark, could make him a huge hit in the Premier League.

Resultantly, he’s been linked with moves to Arsenal, Liverpool and United as recently as December, courtesy of The Express, but amid their current embargo, it would likely take an unrealistic offer to convince Barca to sell.

GARETH BALE

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A distinct possibility or just a wild pipedream? According to The Metro, Manchester United have launched a sensational £117million bid for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

Of course, Premier League fans know the Welsh wizard well, having witnessed him develop with incredible velocity at Tottenham Hotspur, before scoring 21 league goals during his final Premiership campaign, winning him the PFA Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year and FWA Player of the Year awards for 2012/13, and moving to the Bernabeu for a record-breaking £86million.

He’s since gone on to claim a more than acceptable 34 goals in 70 appearances for Los Blancos, but a recent bromantic break-up with Cristiano Ronaldo and increased criticism from the fanbase has put his future in jeopardy – especially amid rumours that the European champions have agreed a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.

Unless the 25 year-old fancies another stint at left-back, he could suddenly find himself a peripheral figure in the Spanish capital, making a return to the Premier League a more than viable possibility.

Whether his move would happen this month or in the summer however, which admittedly, seems far more likely, remains to be seen.

Liverpool’s harrowing form at the start of the season lead pundits and fans alike to the same hypothesis – that the free-scoring, runner-up Reds of the 2013/14 campaign were a bit of a fluke, inspired by the combination of Luis Suarez’ world-class services and a squad playing without fear, growing in confidence as the season went on.

At the heart of that theory was Brendan Rodgers and the insignificance of his role as manager. After all, essentially the same Liverpool side finished in seventh under his leadership the season prior, and it seemed that rather than quality or inspired actions from the dugout, the weight of history – Steven Gerrard’s last shot at a Premier League title coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster -was the biggest factor working in their favour.

Despite winning last season’s LMA Manager of the Year award, there was a common feeling that he’d simply been in the right place with the right players at the right time. The Ulsterman’s philosophy, tactics and transfers all came under scrutiny as the Anfield outfit plummeted to 12th place in late November, a dismal run that validated those pejorative opinions.

Liverpool’s miraculous turnaround since however, losing just once in the 16 games following their 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on November 23rd and now just two points away from the Premier League’s top four, proves that last season was no miraculous occurrence.

And in stark contrast to the tirade of criticism thrown Rodgers’ way, there’s no debate over his influence on a run of twelve wins from 16 that’s included the introduction of a quirky 3-4-3 formation, the dissolution of Steven Gerrard’s role as talismanic captain and the integration of £110million worth of predominantly foreign talent purchased during the summer.

No easy task by any means, especially when combined with the burdening expectations set by last season and the enormous pressures of managing one of England’s most historically successful clubs. So does Rodgers deserve the lions’ share of credit for the Reds’ upturn in results and form? Are we looking at a future managerial great in the making?

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What’s impressed me most about Brendan Rodgers is his philosophical flexibility, despite being often considered a staunch representative of more aesthetic football. When he first arrived at Anfield he was a possession-based manager, but last season he allowed Liverpool’s style to naturally develop towards counter-attacking and this year he’s accepted the need for a more balanced, sturdy approach.

One can question whether it took too long for the Liverpool gaffer to come to a logical conclusion regarding style of play. After all, if the Reds do miss out on Champions League qualification this year, it will be due to those six defeats in their first twelve Premier League outings, when Rodgers appeared adamant that the flowing football of last season would inevitably re-emerge. Had he reverted back to basics in October rather than November, perhaps Liverpool would be in a position to defend their runner-up status, rather than simply hoping Manchester United or Arsenal slip up between now and May.

Yet, compared to Arsene Wenger, a manager determined to live or die by his philosophical sword, Rodgers’ ability to compromise his own beliefs is incredibly refreshing. And the end result of Liverpool’s more dogged displays, against the likes of Leicester City, Burnley, Sunderland and West Ham, is eventually enough confidence and momentum to return back to that highly energetic, highly technical, whimsical brand of play that defined them last season.

At the same time, few Premier League managers would have even considered switching to an untested 3-4-3 formation for a visit to Old Trafford, let alone sticking with it after losing 3-0 to Liverpool’s biggest rivals. Could you imagine the ensuing furore if the exotic system hadn’t improved the Reds’ results so quickly? Rodgers probably wouldn’t be in the job right now.

Of course, there are still areas of Rodgers’ reign that throw up question marks. Has he spent wisely enough over the last four transfer windows? Has he parted with Steven Gerrard too quickly? Was signing Mario Balotelli anything more than a personal vanity project? Do Liverpool need a manager with more experience in Europe?

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Yet, this is now the second Liverpool side, despite the loss of it’s two world-class players – Gerrard and Suarez – and a wholesale change in formation, that he’s got playing amongst the most efficient and exciting football in the Premier League. One can only ponder the damage Rodgers would cause with a squad as holistic as Manchester City’s, or a budget as monolithic as Manchester United’s.

There’s still a lengthy road ahead and as we all know too well, it can take just a single slip-up to end a management career at the top end of the Premier League. Currently however, Rodgers is only heading upwards and bringing Liverpool with him; something their recent form and results pay specific homage to.

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As the season continues it is looking less likely that Sam Allardyce will be West Ham manager next season.

Despite the Hammers’ excellent season some fans have never taken to Big Sam and have made their disaffection known at every opportunity. ‘Big Sam’s’ contract runs out in the summer and while it is yet uncertain as to whether he will leave to try new challenges or the board will not re-appoint him, it is looking more likely that he will not be making a return as the Irons’ boss despite guiding them to promotion from the Championship and keeping them in the Premier League for two seasons.

Glenn Hoddle has become the latest name to be linked with the manager’s job at Upton Park as they get ready to move to the Olympic Stadium in 15 months’ time. He has been linked with the club before but back in 2011 he ruled himself out of the running for the job. The 57-year-old would be a high profile replacement and he has been known to get his teams to play with style and flair which would be welcomed by fans.

One of the biggest problems supporters have had with Allardyce is the style of football. Despite winning many games to help them into ninth position in the Premier League, fans have not enjoyed the way the Hammers have been playing. Allardyce has, largely, refused to change the way the team’s play because they are getting the results they need.

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Hoddle hasn’t managed a club for nearly 10 years, but in the past has taken charge of Swindon, Chelsea and of course England. He started as a player-manager at Swindon in 1993 and took on the same role at Chelsea until he retired. During his time as a manager he has won 532 games, but he only has a win rate of 39% – not particularly high, but when you compare it to Allardyce they have the exact same rate.

When Hoddle became England manger he was highly respected among the players for his talent as a player. He had an excellent record and players like Rio Ferdinand regard him as the best manager they played under. His success as England manager was not all good of course, his style and secrecy antagonised the press which slowly led to his downfall and resignation as manager.

Since Hoddle resigned from England he has struggled to manage another side. Hoddle was a superb player and is well respected by his peers and he brings a style of football which fans love to watch, but he also brings with him a history with the press. If he does take over as West Ham manager, there is no doubt he would change everything Allardyce has achieved so far. Only time would be able to tell if that was for the better or for the worse.

It looks like West Ham’s owners want something new, as there is only so much that one person can do and Hoddle would certainly be a change. Whether he is the right man for the job remains to be seen.

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Manchester United’s strong recent form has run ashore in recent weeks, with Louis van Gaal’s men slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend.

With the visitors completely outplayed by the Goodison Park hosts, a transfer raid on Roberto Martinez’s men could well be on the cards this summer.

The Old Trafford side have a history of signing players from Everton, with former Toffees Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini both on the losing side at the weekend, while Leighton Baines was a failed target for United.

However, with Van Gaal expected to spend big this summer, here are three more Everton stars that could end up at United ahead of next season…

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Seamus Coleman

Van Gaal has seemingly not taken a shine to Rafael and as such options at right-back in the current squad appear thin on the ground.

Antonio Valencia has done a stern job in filling the role this season but it is a position that United are widely expected to bolster in the off-season.

Coleman continues to be one of the Premier League’s best attacking full-backs and would certainly be an upgrade on Valencia.

With Van Gaal switching between a back four and the use of wing backs, Coleman seems like an ideal acquisition to fill the void.

John Stones

The young centre-back has been forced to bide his time at Everton due to the longstanding presence of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin, but has been in excellent form when afforded a chance to play of late.

The defender netted his first Premier League goal in the 3-0 win over United and put in an assured and mature defensive performance to keep his opponents off the scoresheet.

Stones has the potential to be an England international for the next ten years and is certainly one of the brightest homegrown defensive prospects in the Premier League at the moment.

With the centre of United’s defence still an area of improvement, Stones would fit the bill as a player to build a team for the future around.

James McCarthy

United have been heavily linked with new midfielders, with Ilkay Gundogan the latest player being touted as a potential summer addition.

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The Old Trafford outfit have lacked drive and purpose since the exit of Roy Keane, while the invention and energy of Paul Scholes are hard attributes to replicate.

Although the reliable presence of Michael Carrick and industry of Ander Herrera have seen United start to compete, a new talismanic presence in the heart of the team would be greatly welcome by most Red Devils’ fans.

On first sight McCarthy may not be the name that the United fans would call out for, but the Republic of Ireland international has all the qualities that they are currently lacking.

A solid range of passing, tireless engine, commitment in the tackle and knowledge of the Premier League makes McCarthy a potential shrewd acquisition.

As if the David de Gea to Real Madrid transfer saga hadn’t taken enough twists and turns in recent weeks, it now appears that Sergio Ramos is eager to, effectively, swap places with the goalkeeper.

Reports suggest that the Spaniard has grown frustrated with life at the Bernabeu, with the club’s willingness to let him enter the final two years of his deal a source of major annoyance, and has set his sights on Old Trafford.

Whether this is a genuine plea to United or simply a manoeuvre to ensure Real act fast to hand him a bumper deal – there’s nothing like talking up a massive move to get football club’s attention – there is a certain degree of excitement among the Theatre of Dreams faithful right now, and it’s quite easy to see why.

After all, Ramos would be a terrific signing for Louis van Gaal’s side, and here are FIVE reasons why…

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A proven top quality centre-back

If there was one area in which Van Gaal’s United were in serious need of reinforcement last season it was at centre-back.

Early injuries led to a worrying reliance on youngsters such as Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett, before both Daley Blind and Michael Carrick were forced into the positions. Eventually LVG was able to settle with the likes of Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, however, none of the aforementioned trio truly inspired confidence.

Ramos though could be the answer. A Spain international and a key member of the Real Madrid side, the 30-year-old is very much in an the elite band of defenders on the planet right now, even if his disciplinary record is not entirely impressive.

A winner

The Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, La Liga, Copa del Rey, World Cup and European Championships, Ramos has won them all at club and international level.

Okay, he’s been surrounding by world class players with Real and Spain, but that record cannot be argued with, and through the successes he’s been one of the more influential figures within both camps.

United are a little short in terms of those who’ve ‘been there and done it’ right now, and perhaps one big character could inspire a new era of success.

Modern defender

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The role of the centre-back has changed so much over the course of the past five-10 years.

No longer is it enough to be tough and uncompromising, central defenders now need to be able to play like a midfielder, sprint like a winger and contribute goals if they’re to be considered as ‘world class’.

Ramos is capable in terms of all of the above, unlike United’s current batch of stars, who spread the attributes among themselves.

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Real signal of intent

Excuse the pun, but signing Ramos would be a real signal of intent for Man United. Last summer the acquisition of Angel di Maria was very much a ‘we’re still a big club’ move following a slip out of Europe, but a return to Champions League football and the addition of one of the best centre-backs around would really show that LVG’s side mean business.

Would be the best centre-back in the Premier League

Who else will Ramos be competing with? John Terry? Too old. Vincent Kompany? Not the player he was three years ago. Laurent Koscielny? Is he commanding enough? Jan Vertonghen? Hasn’t scaled the heights of his debut season at Spurs.

Ramos would certainly be up there among the best, and should he adapt quickly there’s no reason he could not be considered top dog.

With a new season on the horizon, Arsenal are finding themselves constantly linked with a host of big names.

After securing the services of stoic ‘keeper Petr Cech, the Gunners look set to add an exciting attacking name to their ranks to lead their assault on the Premier League. It is, however, a player currently lining up for the side in pre-season who may shine this season.

England winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appears to be almost the forgotten man at the Emirates. The former Southampton winger is quietly getting on with his business, as the focus centres around either an incoming big name or team-mate Theo Walcott’s contract situation.

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‘The Ox’ has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career already, but the 21-year-old appears to be ready to come into his own, something we’ve already seen a glimpse of today as the England international scored the Gunners’ winner against Chelsea to win the Community Shield at Wembley.

Arsenal’s 6-0 thumping of French side Lyon last week showcased the talents of the wicked wing man. Chamberlain ran the Ligue 1 side ragged that afternoon, his incisive wing play brought an energy and drive to the Gunner’s attack. The nickname ‘The Ox’ comes from the England man’s physical style of play, though he possess the pace to be an effective winger. In a midfield often accused of lacking a physical presence, ‘The Ox’ could be about to rampage.

Since a dazzling debut season in North London, culminating in a place in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2012, injuries and intense competition for places have put the wheels on the flying winger. Stellar performances against Bayern Munich and Manchester United stand out, along with a goal in Macarena for the Three Lions.

Competition is rife in the Arsenal attack these days, with a litter of top class players vying for a limited number of spots. Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil seem to be nailed on in the first choice XI, but a place on the right has a number of applicants. Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott can both operate in the position, but ‘The Ox’ might have the edge.

Welsh star Ramsey has come on leaps and bounds over the past few seasons, but is not a natural right winger. Chamberlain’s varied skill set allows him to both stretch the opposition, and cut inside to wreak havoc. His assist for Nacho Monreal in the FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford summed up what the ex-Saint is all about.

His thrillingly direct run at United defenders on the edge of the box cut through them like a hot knife through butter. Keeping the ball under pressure with his quick feet, an inch perfect pass was laid off to the Spaniard who applied the finish.

The game appears to go into overdrive when he grabs the ball, accelerating play with an elegance you may not expect from a player with such physical prowess. With Theo Walcott a soon-to-be-striker, Chamberlain can take the opportunity to make the wide right berth his own.

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Action man like Alexis Sanchez is the sort of player Chamberlain should be emulating. Both players are happy to operate on the wing, but their varied skills allow for much more. Santi Carzola and Mesut Ozil can pass the ball all day long, but the incisive nature of the England international provides an effective outlet to their possession.

Should ‘The Ox’ stay off the treatment table this year, Arsenal and England are about to discover his true potential.

According to Tuttosport, via ESPN, Marko Pjaca could be included in Juventus’ attempt to sign Liverpool midfielder, Emre Can.

Can’s contract at Anfield expires at the end of this season. Thus he’s able to sign a pre-contract agreement with the Italian giants in January.

What’s the story?

It is reported that the German international is hoping to receive a sizeable increase regarding his income, and given his contractual status at Liverpool, the 23-year-old is currently in a very influential position.

However, Juventus could opt to include a player in a deal that would see Can move to Italy in January. And it is reported that 22-year-old, Pjaca, is the one that will be included to sweeten the deal.

Should Liverpool sanction January exit?

During his four seasons as a Liverpool player, Emre Can has proven to be an incredibly influential player for the Reds who can exert his control at either end of the pitch. The 23-year-old is incredibly physical and combative in midfield, yet in typical German fashion, he also flaunts excellent technical ability, and his capacity to score goals is another valuable component of his game.

There’s no refuting that Pjaca is a talented player, endowed with considerable potential. However, Liverpool don’t currently require attacking reinforcement.

The 22-year-old is unlikely to be able to displace the likes of Mane or Salah who have been in magnificent form for Liverpool. Under Klopp’s experienced guidance Liverpool have established their status as one of the most ruthless attacking teams, Pjaca only scored a single goal in 19 games for Juve last season.

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This deal wouldn’t benefit Liverpool as much as it would strengthen Juventus. Thus they must try their best to keep Can at the club.

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has claimed that Bournemouth would be the perfect club for Theo Walcott as the Englishman prepares to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Walcott is widely expected to leave the Gunners this month after struggling for football in the first half of the 2017-18 campaign.

The 28-year-old has only made six Premier League appearances this season, and has been strongly linked with a return to former club Southampton.

Everton, meanwhile, are also believed to be in the hunt as Toffees boss Sam Allardyce looks to improve his options in the final third of the field.

However, according to pundit Merson, Walcott should look to engineer a move to Bournemouth as his style of football would suit the Cherries.

Bournemouth had Jack Wilshere on loan last season, and Walcott could well be the latest Arsenal player to pitch up at the Vitality Stadium.

Merson told reporters:

“People say he’s got to play because he’s going to the World Cup, I don’t see him going to the World Cup. I think he’s well down the pecking order.

“There would have to be a few injuries and he’d have to majorly pull up trees at Everton, and the way Everton play, it’s going to be hard to pull up trees.

“The perfect fit, for me, with him would be Bournemouth. They play 4-4-2, they play attacking football, pacey.”

Walcott, who is valued at £18m by transfermarkt.co.uk, was a late substitute in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

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