Tiote apologises for video

Cheick Tiote says sorry for video

Cheick Tiote has issued an apology after being reprimanded by his club Newcastle for being videoed driving a car with an open bottle of champagne in his hand.

The 28-year-old midfielder, who is understood to have been filmed while in his native Ivory Coast, apologised after the images were published in a national newspaper.
Tiote said: "I deeply regret my actions and I am sorry for any offence caused.
“I realise that as a professional footballer, I have a responsibility to many people, including the club and its supporters and it is important for me to set a good example to others with my behaviour on and off the pitch."
The Premier League club have already made a statement on the matter which reads: "Newcastle United have been made aware of a video of Cheick Tiote driving whilst holding a bottle of alcohol, which is understood to have been filmed in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
"Clearly his actions were not appropriate. The club have spoken privately with Cheick and reminded him of his significant responsibilities as a representative of Newcastle United and a role model."

Premier League: Andy Carroll deal stopped West Ham signing Wilfried Bony

Last Updated: 05/12/14 1:26pm

 

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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has revealed he opted to sign Andy Carroll over Wilfried Bony

Wilfried Bony: West Ham missed chance to sign prolific Swansea forward

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has revealed he turned down the chance Wilfried Bony and brought in Andy Carroll instead.

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Allardyce was scouting Bony during his prolific run of form with Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 but a move never materialised after he was able to secure Carroll's signature from Liverpool on a permanent basis.
The Ivory Coast striker instead joined Swansea and has proved to be an astute buy, scoring 16 goals in his first Premier League season and another six in 12 games in 2014-15 ahead of Sunday's clash between the sides at Upton Park.
Allardyce said: "We signed Andy Carroll and it was one or the other.
"It couldn't be both and we ended up getting a deal done with Andy so our interest (in Bony) ended because we couldn't do both. We didn't have enough money in the budget that year.
"We spent big money on Andy and the rest had to be proportioned out for the considerable amount of other players we needed at the time."
Allardyce admits it has been tough trying to work out a plan to stop Bony, saying: "In the main it'll be about not only the defenders but the team as a whole stopping the supply.
"If you work hard on shutting down their midfield and wide areas and limit the supply then that is the best way forward but that won't happen all the time.
"When I say we have to get tight on him, we have to be aware of him without getting too tight because he is very strong and very skilful and to knock him off the ball is not an easy task.
"He seems to be able to roll a lot of defenders and hit the ball in the same movement. He is a threat in the air and it will be very interesting for our lads to compete against someone in such good goalscoring form and hopefully on the day we can keep him quiet."

Premier League: Arsene Wenger says Arsenal do not fear Stoke City players or fans

Arsene Wenger: Has dismissed Ryan Shawcross hate claims

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his team have no fear of Stoke City and will not be intimidated by their fans at the Britannia Stadium.

Bad blood between the teams has been present ever since Potters captain Ryan Shawcross broke the leg of Gunners star Aaron Ramsey in 2010. Wenger also likened Stoke’s style of play under former boss Tony Pulis to rugby.
Shawcross stoked up the game yesterday by claiming the home fans' "dislike" of Arsenal will lead to a "tasty game" at the Britannia Stadium. Wenger feels the game could do without such comments.
"I think that (Shawcross’ claim) is exaggerated,” the 65-year-old said. “It is a football game, it is not a hate game.
“Stoke is always a tough and very committed place to go, but we prepare ourselves to be at the level of our commitment and dictate the way we want to play. The most important thing is to not forget how we play our game.
"They have a little bit of a different style (under new manager Mark Hughes), but against us it is always a very committed game anyway."

"It is a football game, it is not a hate game."

Arsene Wenger

Wenger added: "We are in a job where you have risks. The physical risk is part of our job, we accept that.
"What you want is to go into a game with everybody being 100 per cent committed, but fair. After, you accept that any accident can happen.
"You do not want to have any suspicions before the match starts, that is not very good."
Arsenal have a few injury worries before their trip to the Britannia. Nacho Monreal suffered ankle ligament damage early on against the Saints and could be out for a few weeks. Centre-back Laurent Koscielny will also be assessed on his inflamed Achilles.
Wenger is also worried about the fitness levels of forward Alexis Sanchez, claiming the Chilean is in the “red zone” and must be carefully managed over the hectic Christmas schedule.
"Unfortunately you never know how far you can push (a player). We are not scientific enough to predict that completely, but he has a great recovery potential," said Wenger.
"He recovers very quickly, is always sharp and wants to play.
"Alexis has a huge desire, no complex, and has a fighting attitude that means even when he misses something it doesn't affect him.
"He is very mobile, very determined and he has the sense to be in the right place in the box."

Nasri admits Man City planning for Chelsea January showdown





Samir Nasri admits Manchester City's players are already eyeing their showdown with Chelsea.

 Nasri says they aim to close the six-point gap between them and leaders Chelsea before the top two go head to head on January 31.

 “They have a tough week - they play against Tottenham and then Newcastle away, so it was important to close the gap.

 “We had more points at this time last year but we know how important it is to be as close as possible to the top because if you want to win the league a lot can happen over Christmas.

 “By New Year’s Day we want to be closer to Chelsea - the game at Stamford Bridge in January will be like a final.

 “But teams like Southampton are still there, United are coming back so it will be open for a while yet."