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Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku: I was born to score

Roberto Martinez defended Romelu Lukaku's recent form and insisted that he's proud of the progress he's made in recent seasons. Romelu Lukaku has told Sky Sports News he is "like a leopard in the box" after the Manchester United striker ended his recent goal drought with a brace for Belgium. Lukaku, 24, netted two second-half goals as Belgium drew 3-3 against Mexico in a friendly at King Baudouin Stadium following a seven-game drought for his club. "Yes, it's a relief but I knew it would come," he said. "I feel great to be honest. "I was born to score. I don't think many strikers of my generation have as many goals as me....
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/manchester-united/story/3267336/manchester-united-striker-romelu-lukaku-i-was-born-to-score

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David Moyes: Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will get West Ham chance

The ESPN FC panel assess whether or not David Moyes can organise West Ham and get them out of the relegation zone. David Moyes has told Javier Hernandez he will be given the chance to establish himself in his West Ham attack but warned he would not be allowed special treatment. Hernandez, 29, was part of Moyes' Manchester United squad during the 2013-14 season but started just five Premier League games over the course of his reign. That has prompted concerns that the Mexico international, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, could again find himself surplus to requirements following Moyes' arrival...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/west-ham-united/story/3267272/david-moyes-javier-chicharito-hernandez-will-get-west-ham-chance

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Olivier Giroud says the trust of Arsene Wenger validates Arsenal stay

The ESPN FC panel discuss how Arsenal's winning mentality has continued to erode under Arsene Wenger. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud said he has no regrets over his decision to stay at Arsenal and added the trust manager Arsene Wenger has in him is a big reason why. Giroud, 31, was the subject of transfer rumours during the summer window as Alexandre Lacazette arrived at the Emirates and interest from Everton pointed toward a potential move away from Arsenal.

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But the France international, who scored in his country's 2-0 win against Wales, told The Telegraph his future was never in doubt.
"I am...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/story/3267192/olivier-giroud-says-the-trust-of-arsene-wenger-validates-arsenal-stay

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Loftus-Cheek relishes regular play at Crystal Palace after Chelsea 'journey'

Gareth Southgate is full of praise for Ruben Loftus-Cheek after his performance on his England debut against Germany.

        Gareth Southgate says England will be forced into looking at the U21 side in order to fill gaps in the senior team left by injuries. 

LONDON -- Ruben Loftus-Cheek admitted that a lack of first-team opportunities at Chelsea has slowed his development after producing a man-of-the-match performance on his senior England debut against Germany.
Gareth Southgate turned to youth with his starting XI for Friday's goalless draw with the reigning world champions at Wembley, as Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as well as Chelsea loanees Tammy Abraham and Loftus-Cheek were handed their first international caps.
Promising Liverpool defender...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/england/story/3267156/loftus-cheek-relishes-regular-play-at-crystal-palace-after-chelsea-journey

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Martial's return to form is an early Christmas gift for Manchester United

Janusz Michallik tries to find the truth behind the rumoured swap between Anthony Martial and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic.
Considering the Christmas season is almost upon us, this feels like as good a moment as any to give thanks.
Yes, it is true that Manchester United are eight points behind Manchester City, and that their success worryingly seems to rely more upon individual brilliance than systemic excellence. But there is much for which to be grateful, and chief among them is probably the resurgent form of Anthony Martial.
Much has happened in the past few months -- so much that it's easy to forget how close Martial...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/3266924/martials-return-to-form-is-an-early-christmas-gift-for-manchester-united

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Slaven Bilic axe toughest call in 25 years - West Ham's Karren Brady

The ESPN FC panel assess whether or not David Moyes can organise West Ham and get them out of the relegation zone.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said the sacking of Slaven Bilic was among the hardest decisions the club's board has made in the last 25 years.
Bilic's near two-and-a-half-year spell at the helm of West Ham was ended on Monday after last weekend's 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool left them languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.
Bilic told Sky Sports News he "suspected'' he would be axed and his honest appraisal of the Hammers' position in the top-flight earned him admirers among...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/west-ham-united/story/3266319/slaven-bilic-axe-toughest-call-in-25-years-west-hams-karren-brady

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Lallana's return challenges Klopp and Liverpool to optimise Coutinho

Former Liverpool players Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler talk to ESPN FC and laud Liverpool's attacking prowess.

        Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool must respect Emre Can and not make a big problem out of his current contract situation. 

Earlier in the season Liverpool's attacking quartet of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Philippe Coutinho were dubbed "the Fab Four" by the Merseyside press. Poor Adam Lallana, meanwhile, seemed to be cast in the "Pete Best" role, as the forgotten, fifth Beatle.
Lallana hasn't played in 2017-18 after picking up a thigh injury in preseason, but he's back in full training and may well be available for selection next week when his former club Southampton visit Anfield.
The return of the...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/liverpool/364/blog/post/3265187/adam-lallana-return-challenges-liverpool-to-optimize-philippe-coutinho

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Manchester City supporters won't take historic start for granted

The ESPN FC crew ask whether anyone can stop Manchester City.

        The ESPN FC crew ask whether anyone can stop Manchester City.

Belief isn't something that comes naturally to Manchester City fans. After being beaten down for years by regular embarrassments, they've been burned one too many times to fall into the trap of feeling confident. They won't think their team will do the expected, all too wary of the unexpected creeping up and pinching them on the bottom.
Every club has their misfortunes, of course, but it seems to be only City that can tell tales of being knocked out of the FA Cup by a balloon (2-1 at Sheffield United...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-city/382/blog/post/3265078/manchester-city-supporters-will-not-take-historic-start-for-granted

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Leighton Baines: Everton must use big win to climb the Premier League table

English Premier League: Leighton Baines (90'+1) Everton 3-2 Watford

        Leighton Baines' 91st minute penalty gave Everton a much-needed victory in a pulsating match at Goodison Park. 
            
        Leighton Baines' 91st minute penalty gave Everton a much-needed victory in a pulsating match at Goodison Park. 
            
        David Unsworth savours Everton's last-gasp victory over Watford and addresses the future of the club's managerial vacancy. 

Everton defender Leighton Baines reflects on the club's start to the season, and their hopes of climbing the Premier League table, in a guest column for ESPN FC.
I have been involved in the game for long enough to know that any win in the Premier League is special, but it's fair to say our dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Watford on Sunday had extra significance; not just because of the manner in which it was achieved but also for what it could mean for our season.
Having started the day in...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/everton/368/blog/post/3264301/leighton-baines-everton-must-use-big-win-to-climb-the-premier-league-table

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Arsenal's lack of presence in England squad highlights club's growing pains

The FC crew call out Arsene Wenger for his tactical decisions and Arsenal for not stepping up until they concede a goal.

        Despite constant criticism, former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires feels Arsene Wenger is still the right man for the job. 

An Arsenal player may have been the centre of attention prior to kickoff at Wembley, with Gareth Southgate's comments about Jack Wilshere causing a minor stir. But when the England team took to the pitch against Germany there wasn't a single one to be seen. In fact, there was no Arsenal representation on the bench or in the squad at all.

And this was hardly an era-defining England team. The XI named by Southgate looked like it might struggle to reach the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, let alone the...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/arsenal/359/blog/post/3265958/arsenals-lack-of-presence-in-england-squad-highlights-clubs-growing-pains

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Alvaro Morata's impact at Chelsea this season surprises Gianfranco Zola

Former Chelsea stars Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo talk the Blues' start so far, Michael Emenalo and Alvaro Morata.

        Stevie Nicol breaks down Hazard's comments about possibly playing under Zidane and reuniting with Mourinho in the future. 

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has told ESPN FC that he has been surprised by the consistency and physical qualities that Alvaro Morata has shown for the Blues this season, adding that he considers the 25-year-old to be one of the world's most skilful strikers.
Morata has made an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge since joining from Real Madrid for a club-record initial fee of £58 million last summer, contributing seven goals and three assists in 10 Premier League appearances.
A hamstring...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/3265095/alvaro-moratas-impact-at-chelsea-this-season-surprises-gianfranco-zola

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Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson dismisses talk of Jack Wilshere move

Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere needs games and to be injury free, after the midfielder missed out on an England call-up.

        Jack Wilshere spoke after Arsenal's 0-0 draw against Red Star Belgrade and had this to say about his fitness and this summer's World Cup. 

Roy Hodgson has hit out at reports linking Crystal Palace with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, saying his name has not been mentioned in discussions about potential new players.
Hodgson, who took over from the sacked Frank de Boer earlier this season, said that although there "may come a time" when Palace wanted to sign the England international, he was not currently under consideration.
Wilshere played for Bournemouth on loan last season, and reports have suggested that Arsene Wenger could let...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/story/3265092/crystal-palace-boss-roy-hodgson-dismisses-talk-of-jack-wilshere-move

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Bayer Leverkusen starlet Kai Havertz attracting Liverpool interest

Kai Havertz has been attracting attention this season.
Bayern Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz reportedly made a visit to Liverpool's training ground last month, with a potential January transfer in the offing. So here is everything you need to know about the youngster.
Why would Liverpool be interested?
Growing up near the Dutch border, Havertz, born in 1999, joined Leverkusen in 2010 and worked his way through the club's academy.
After helping Bayer's under-17 side to a Bundesliga title with 19 goals in the 2015-16 season, the youngster took a short-cut...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/blog/soccer-usa/3/post/3265085/bayer-leverkusen-starlet-kai-havertz-attracting-liverpool-interest

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Chelsea legends 'surprised' by Morata

Former Chelsea stars Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo talk the Blues' start so far, Michael Emenalo and Alvaro Morata.
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/23/video/3265081/chelsea-legends-surprised-by-morata

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Winter spell crucial to United and Mourinho as City threaten to pull away

The ESPN FC crew discusses Jose Mourinho's poor record in the big matches.
Jose Mourinho admitted after the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last Sunday he was "worried" about the eight-point gap Manchester City have opened at the top of the table.
But not so worried, he said, as he would be if he was managing in Spain, Italy, Germany or France.
The inference was that, because of the unpredictability of the Premier League, eight points is not as commanding a lead as it might look. That much is true, and especially with the chaos of December and January to come.
If Manchester United...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-united/360/blog/post/3265080/winter-spell-crucial-to-united-and-mourinho-as-city-threaten-to-pull-away

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Alvaro Morata: I'd only return to Madrid after winning everything with Chelsea

Former Chelsea stars Gianfranco Zola and Roberto Di Matteo talk the Blues' start so far, Michael Emenalo and Alvaro Morata.

        Alvaro Morata has insisted he is enjoying life at Chelsea and would sign a 10-year contract if the club were offer him one. 
            
        Stevie Nicol breaks down Hazard's comments about possibly playing under Zidane and reuniting with Mourinho in the future. 

Alvaro Morata says he would only consider returning to Real Madrid for the third time in his career once he has won "all there is to win" with Chelsea.
The Spain international has scored seven goals and set up three more in 10 Premier League appearances, nine as a starter, since his €65 million summer arrival from Madrid.
"Of course I would return to Real Madrid once I win all there is to win with Chelsea and after a long and successful career at Chelsea," Morata told Cadena Ser. "It's difficult...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/chelsea/story/3265054/alvaro-morata-id-only-return-to-real-madrid-after-winning-everything-with-chelsea

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Manchester City wary of complacency amid talk the title is sealed already

ESPN FC's Shaka Hislop discusses Manchester City's storming start to the season.
The Premier League title race is already over according to some, with even Chelsea's Antonio Conte and Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp finding it difficult to see anyone stopping Manchester City.
No team has ever held such a commanding lead at this stage of a Premier League season, with closest rivals Manchester United and Tottenham already eight points behind after just 11 matches.
But City boss Pep Guardiola certainly isn't expecting to win the title without any difficulties and...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/club/manchester-city/382/blog/post/3265051/manchester-city-wary-of-complacency-amid-talk-the-title-is-sealed-already

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Alvaro Morata enjoys a beer on walk home after Stamford Bridge games

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata lives five minutes away from Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata has revealed that he often walks home after his team's games at Stamford Bridge in London -- sometimes with a beer in his hand.
The Spain international signed a lucrative five-year contract with Chelsea this summer worth a reported £160,000-a-week following his transfer from Real Madrid but says he still appreciates the little things in life.
Morata lives with his wife in the Chelsea and Kensington Borough and told Cadena Ser radio: "I live five minutes away from...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3264917/alvaro-morata-enjoys-a-beer-on-walk-home-after-stamford-bridge-games

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Premier League links up with Stonewall to boost LGBT involvement in game

The Premier League said there were 'a range of exciting plans to show support for the LGBT community.
The Premier League has announced a three-year partnership with LGBT rights group Stonewall that aims to boost equality in football.
The agreement will see clubs work with Stonewall to encourage LGBT participation in the game and crack down on anti-gay abuse both at football grounds or online.
The Premier League and Stonewall said they wanted to create "an environment where everyone can be themselves," including the promotion of LGBT fan groups.
The league said it would also take steps "to ensure...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/story/3264865/premier-league-links-up-with-stonewall-to-boost-lgbt-involvement-in-game

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Naby Keita excited by Liverpool reunion with 'big brother' Sadio Mane

Former Liverpool players Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler talk to ESPN FC and laud Liverpool's attacking prowess.
Naby Keita is looking forward to reuniting with his "big brother" Sadio Mane at Liverpool next season, with the Senegal international helping him settle in when the pair were together at Red Bull Salzburg.
Liverpool have a deal in place to sign Keita, 22, from RB Leipzig next summer, with the midfielder set to link up with old friend Mane, 25, at Anfield.
The duo are former Salzburg teammates and Keita says it was Mane who made life easier for him following his arrival at the Austrian club.
"At...
Source: http://www.espnfc.com/liverpool/story/3264864/naby-keita-excited-by-liverpool-reunion-with-big-brother-sadio-mane

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Source: http://www.espnfc.com/english-premier-league/23/index