Premier League News -8th September 2010
(Arsenal, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers)
Arsenal
The newly-signed French defender, Laurent Koscielny has said that the sheer amount of French players at Arsenal has helped him settle well there. The player joined Gunners this summer from French Ligue 1 side, Lorient. He revealed that joining the Premier League is a step up in terms of intensity and tenacity.
The defender said in an interview that playing along the likes of Abou Diaby, Barcary Sagna and Samor Nasri, who are all French, has helped him adapt well to the club. He added that speaking his native language at Arsenal has also made him feel just like being at home. Koscielny vowed to keep on working harder in the training sessions.
Aston Villa
Former Chelsea player, Steve Sidwell has started his recovery for the side, following his omission from the squad of the first 5 matches. The player suffered an Achilles injury while playing in a pre-season match against Valencia. On Monday, Sidewell played the full 90 minutes against Blackpool, when Villa thrashed the Seasiders 4-0 in a reserves match.
Earlier, Steve was available for a possible transfer move by former Villa manager, Martin O’ Neill but the player stayed back at the club. Sidwell has already missed matches against West Ham, Newcastle and Everton in the Premier League as well as missing both legs of the Europa League tie with Rapid Vienna.
Fulham were reportedly interested in the player before their manager Roy Hodgson quit for Liverpool and was also constantly linked for a move away to West Bromwich Albion. Villa reportedly paid 5 million pounds for the player to Chelsea two year back.
Birmingham City
The injured Birmingham City player, Kevin Phillips has revealed that derby with West Brom in two weeks time is his target of returning to first team action. The 37-year-old, while playing in a pre-season match against Real Mallorca, had suffered from a torn thigh muscle. However, he is reportedly on a fitness programme and hopes to recover in time for the West Brom match to be played on 18th September.
Last season, although Phillips was an impact substitute, he had earned a one year contract extension with Birmingham City. “The injury is fine. I'm not getting any more pain or symptoms. It's just now a case of trying to catch up on fitness, trying to tick all the boxes with the medical staff. We're not far away”, claimed the midfielder. But, the player added that to be ready for Sunday’s game against Liverpool would be asking too much from his aging body.
Blackburn Rovers
The newly-signed former Manchester City striker, Benjani aims to prove his critics wrong by proving his form and fitness with his new club, Black Burn Rovers. The Zimbabwe forward recently signed a one year deal with the Rovers. He has a vast experience of playing in the Premier League, as he had terms with Portsmouth, Manchester City and Sunderland.
But the 32-year-old has only 26 appearances in the last two seasons. His age, form and injuries have been the major reason behind his poor playing time. Rovers’ manager, Sam Allardyce has given the player a much needed last opportunity to prove his form by signing him this summer.
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