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‘There was no choice’ – Tottenham star Tanguy Ndombele hits out at sacked manager Antonio Conte

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April 6, 2023

‘There was no choice’ – Tottenham star Tanguy Ndombele hits out at sacked manager Antonio Conte

SSC Napoli v AC Milan - Serie A — Tanguy Ndombele has pent the season on loan at Napoli (Photo: Getty)

Tanguy Ndombele has hit out at Antonio Conte after he was sacked by Tottenham last week, saying he was never given a chance by the Italian manager.

Ndombele signed for Spurs in 2019 for a club record £55million, but his move has been far from successful with polarising performances and fitness issues plaguing his time in north London.

He also had a high-profile falling out with Jose Mourinho in his first season at the club before once again being cast out in 2021, this time by Conte.

The midfielder has spent the last 18 months out on loan and is currently at Napoli where he’ll soon pick up a Serie A title winner’s medal, even though his impact in Italy has been limited.

The 26-year-old has scored two and made one assist having been handed just six league starts so far.

Nevertheless, Ndombele is happy to have briefly escaped Conte’s Tottenham, with the French international opening up on how his former boss treated him at his parent club.

‘There was no other solution with Tottenham and I’m happy I chose Napoli,’ he told SoFoot.

FBL-ENG-PR-TOTTENHAM-NOTTINGHAM FOREST — Antonio Conte was recently sacked by Spurs (Photo: Getty)

‘With Conte there was no choice, I would have liked to demonstrate my value on the pitch but I was on the edge of the group. It was communicated to me from the first day of training with the team.

‘I don’t know what my future will be, many fans ask me to return to Tottenham but the clubs will decide and Napoli have an option to buy.

‘I don’t mind being on loan here but sometimes I see footballers being treated more like commodities than people.’

Ndombele’s buy out clause with Napoli is said to be around £26m but it seems unlikely the Serie A champions-elect will trigger it.

He’ll hope that with Conte gone he can resurrect his Spurs career under a new manager but who that is remains to be seen, with the early frontrunner Julian Nagelsmann now more heavily linked with Chelsea.

Brendan Rodgers, Graham Potter and, the man who signed Ndombele in the first place, Mauricio Pochettino are all closely linked, while Conte has been touted to sensationally return to Chelsea in the summer.

MORE : Neil Lennon urges Mikel Arteta to play ‘dynamic’ Arsenal star and makes title race prediction

MORE : Chelsea considering shock move for former manager Antonio Conte

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Frank Lampard: Chelsea Appoint Former Manager as Head Coach Until End of Season

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April 6, 2023

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Frank Lampard: Chelsea Appoint Former Manager as Head Coach Until End of Season

: Frank Lampard: Chelsea appoint former midfielder as caretaker manager

Frank Lampard has been appointed as Chelsea’s caretaker manager, with the club saying they will carry out an “exhaustive process” to find a permanent boss. The 44-year-old, who was sacked by Everton in January, was previously in charge at Stamford Bridge from July 2019 until January 2021.

Lampard is aware that he may not be given the job on a full-time basis, but is determined to focus on the task at hand. He said: “I want to do the best possible role I can and after that we will see what happens. I am not getting anywhere ahead of myself.” His first game in charge will be away to Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday before a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The former midfielder is familiar with the club, having scored 211 goals in 648 games at Stamford Bridge. He said it was an “easy decision” to return and that he has “a lot of emotional feelings towards the club”. Lampard also knows that he will be compared to Roberto di Matteo, who led the club to Champions League glory as a caretaker before earning the job on a full-time basis.

Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “We want to provide the club and our fans with a clear and stable plan for the remainder of the season. We want to give ourselves every chance of success and Frank has all of the characteristics and qualities we need to drive us to the finish line.”

The Blues are 11th in the Premier League, 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, despite having spent more than £550m on new players this season. Chief football writer Phil McNulty says Chelsea, after the Graham Potter debacle, are determined not to rush into an appointment and will conduct an exhaustive process. They want a manager of proven pedigree after what is now seen as a mistake in appointing the former Brighton boss.

Julian Nagelsmann, just sacked by Bayern Munich, and former Spain coach Luis Enrique are under the most serious consideration. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also expected to hold talks. Chelsea will regard Frank Lampard as someone who can keep them in a holding pattern and will be popular with supporters. He knows Chelsea and has recent managerial experience, although not exactly good managerial experience. He will have the respect of the squad on playing reputation alone.

It will also buy those working through the mechanics of appointing Potter’s successor time to forensically examine candidates before making a decision as sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley lead the vetting process. Frank Lampard is aware that he may not be given the job on a full-time basis but is determined to focus on the task at hand. He said: “I want to do the best possible role I can and after that we will see what happens. I am not getting anywhere ahead of myself.”

The 44-year-old is familiar with the club, having scored 211 goals in 648 games at Stamford Bridge. He said it was an “easy decision” to return and that he has “a lot of emotional feelings towards the club”. Lampard also knows that he will be compared to Roberto di Matteo, who led the club to Champions League glory as a caretaker before earning the job on a full-time basis.

Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “We want to provide the club and our fans with a clear and stable plan for the remainder of the season. We want to give ourselves every chance of success and Frank has all of the characteristics and qualities we need to drive us to the finish line.”

Julian Nagelsmann, just sacked by Bayern Munich, and former Spain coach Luis Enrique are under the most serious consideration for the permanent role. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is also expected to hold talks. Chelsea will regard Frank Lampard as someone who can keep them in a holding pattern and will be popular with supporters due to his playing reputation alone.

It will also buy those working through the mechanics of appointing Potter’s successor time to forensically examine candidates before making a decision as sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley lead the vetting process. Lampard will have the respect of the squad due to his playing career at Stamford Bridge and is determined to focus on his current role rather than trying to land the job full-time. He said: “I understand I will get asked that question a lot. I have my eyes wide open. The important thing for me is to park that and focus on the job in hand.”

New fixture rescheduled and Liverpool charged by FA – Latest LFC News

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April 6, 2023

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New fixture rescheduled and Liverpool charged by FA – Latest LFC News

The Reds aren’t in action until Sunday afternoon but there’s been plenty of Liverpool news to tide you over until then.

A rearranged fixture and an FA charge

Following the Reds’ match against Man City last weekend, Liverpool have been charged by the FA for failing to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion.

The incident in question came in when the players surrounded the referee and called for Rodri to be shown a second yellow card in the 34th minute. Liverpool have until Wednesday, April 12, to respond.

There was also fixture news as the Premier League announced Liverpool’s away fixture against Leicester will now be played at 8pm (BST) on Monday, May 15.

The game, which has been moved so it can be shown on Sky Sports, is now in an even more inconvenient spot for supporters who won’t be able to get a train back after the match.

The game, Liverpool’s third-from-last in the Premier League, could be a must-win in the race for Champions League qualification, though the Reds will have to improve before then if they are to be in the running come the last week of the season.

3 things today

The Premier League and FA have “consulted the police” to “discuss what legislation could be used to pursue convictions against” people who chant about tragedies, like Hillsborough, according to the Guardian – it’s about time

Speaking on the Redmen TV, Liverpool have been described as “at the front of the queue” to sign Mason Mount by journalist Neil Jones – will Frank Lampard’s appointment as interim manager make a difference though?

Talks for external investment in Liverpool are “relatively well advanced” and it is “possible something would be agreed before the end of the season,” according to James Pearce in the Athletic

Latest Liverpool FC news

The Guardian report that Chelsea have “admiration” for Xabi Alonso, but he “is unlikely to be appointed [Chelsea manager] at this stage of his career” – that would burn his Liverpool bridges, surely?

Curtis Jones has told the Liverpool Echo the bone issue that’s kept him out of action this season has “never been seen before” by Liverpool’s medical staff

Cody Gakpo has admitted he’s unsure about his long-term future in the false nine position, saying: “You’d have to speak to the coach about that,” when asked by Pearce of the Athletic

Latest reports from abroad

We would take a couple of these rumours with a pinch of salt, though it is normally from the player’s native country that true transfer stories emerge.

Man United, Arsenal and Liverpool all have a “specific interest” in signing Alexis Mac Allister, and “two of those clubs are already negotiating” for the Argentinian (Cesar Luis Merlo)

Liverpool have “contacted” Athletico Paranaense over the transfer of the Brazil U20 international, Vitor Roque (Brazilian outlet Globo)

Sepp van den Berg is back in light training at his loan club, Schalke, after injuring his foot a month ago (German newspaper Waz)

Notice of the day

Here is a link to a petition started by Charlotte Hennessy who lost her father, James, at Hillsborough in 1989.

It seeks to criminalise hateful chanting about tragedies.

Match of the night is England Women vs. Brazil Women.

The winners of the European Championships and the Copa America meet in the first-ever women’s ‘Finalissima’.

The match is at Wembley and is on ITV 1 with kick-off at at 7.45 pm (BST).

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Frank Lampard departs as Chelsea legend takes over training today with interim boss announcement soon.

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April 6, 2023

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Frank Lampard departs as Chelsea legend takes over training today with interim boss announcement soon.

Frank Lampard is set to return to Chelsea as the interim boss, taking charge of the team’s training ahead of his official appointment until the end of the season. The former Blues player and manager was sacked in January 2021 but is expected to be on the touchline for Chelsea’s visit to Wolves on Saturday. Lampard qualified for the Champions League in his first full season in charge and will be joined by former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Joe Edwards, who worked with Lampard at Everton, in a coaching capacity.

The appointment of Lampard gives Chelsea time to conduct a thorough search for their next permanent manager. Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are believed to be the frontrunners after the club made contact with the pair. Former Spain boss Enrique arrived in London yesterday for talks and is reportedly keen on the job. However, Chelsea have several candidates in mind, including Fulham manager Marco Silva and ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Todd Boehly, who has already sacked two managers in his short reign, could take his time in selecting the next permanent manager. Other names under consideration include Eintracht Frankfurt guru Oliver Glasner, Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, and even a sensational return for Jose Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles across two spells in West London.

Lampard’s return to Chelsea has been met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. While some see it as a positive move, given his previous success at the club, others are skeptical about his ability to turn things around after his previous stint ended in disappointment. However, Lampard’s experience as a player and manager at Chelsea could prove invaluable in guiding the team through a challenging period.

Chelsea’s recent form has been poor, with just one win in their last five Premier League games. The team currently sits in eighth place in the table, five points behind fourth-placed West Ham United. With the race for Champions League qualification heating up, Lampard will need to hit the ground running if he hopes to guide Chelsea back into Europe’s elite competition.

Despite the challenges ahead, Lampard’s return to Chelsea is a reminder of the strong bond he shares with the club and its fans. As a player, he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League, cementing his place as one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players. As a manager, he led the team to a top-four finish in his first season in charge, defying expectations and earning praise for his tactical nous and man-management skills.

Whether Lampard can replicate that success remains to be seen. However, his return to Chelsea is a sign of the club’s faith in him and his ability to lead the team through a challenging period. With his experience and passion for the club, Lampard could prove to be the perfect choice to guide Chelsea back to their former glory.

Ex-Chelsea prodigy Izzy Brown retires at 26 due to recurring injuries, previously tipped for England by Mourinho.

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April 6, 2023

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Ex-Chelsea prodigy Izzy Brown retires at 26 due to recurring injuries, previously tipped for England by Mourinho.

Izzy Brown, a former Chelsea midfielder, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 26. Brown made his debut for Chelsea in May 2015 and was considered a rising star at the club. However, a series of injuries have forced him to retire from the game. Brown most recently played for Preston North End, but suffered a ruptured Achilles in pre-season just under a month after he signed in 2021. He was released towards the end of the season, and has now hung up his boots with an emotional farewell on social media.

In his tweet, Brown expressed his sadness and said that he had struggled for a year from two Achilles tendon surgeries. He added that he had always had a football at his feet since he could walk and that it was his happy place. Brown also said that he had lived a dream that most people don’t get the opportunity to live and that he would always be grateful for that. He thanked his family and friends for their love and support throughout his career.

Brown also expressed his gratitude to every club he had played for and thanked the fans who had supported him. Chelsea replied to his post, wishing him all the best for the future.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had high hopes for Brown’s England prospects, saying in 2014 that if Brown, along with Lewis Baker and Dominic Solanke, were not national team players in a few years, he should blame himself. Brown signed for Chelsea from West Brom in 2013, but made just one appearance for the Blues during his eight years at the club. Most of his time at the west London giants was spent out on loan, featuring for Dutch outfit Vitesse, while representing Rotherham, Huddersfield, Brighton, Leeds, Luton and Sheffield Wednesday in England.

Brown played in a total of 133 games during his career – chipping in with ten goals and assisting another 16 across all competitions.

Sean Dyche mocks Harry Kane for role in Abdoulaye Doucoure red card

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April 6, 2023

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Sean Dyche mocks Harry Kane for role in Abdoulaye Doucoure red card

Abdoulaye Doucoure lashed out at Harry Kane (Picture: Getty)

Everton boss Sean Dyche joked he was fearful that Harry Kane may have ‘snapped an eyelash’ after an incident that saw Abdoulaye Doucoure sent off on Monday night.

The Toffees earned a 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Goodison Park, despite being reduced to 10 men following Doucoure’s dismissal.

The midfielder lashed out at Kane following an altercation and was sent off for violent conduct.

Despite raising his hands, the likes of Jamie Carragher criticised Kane for going to ground too easily and for attempting to get the midfielder sent off.

While Dyche admits Doucoure deserved his sending off, he’s suggested he agrees with Carragher by mocking Kane’s reactions.

Doucoure will serve a three-match suspension (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

‘He [Doucoure] certainly doesn’t need to apologise,’ said Dyche.

‘He knows you can’t raise your hands.

‘I thought at one point he might have snapped his [Kane’s] eyelash, which would have been tragic, but he seemed to be responding OK.

‘He [Doucoure] is a very strong-minded character and I like that. When it goes wrong, he won’t be judged on that by me.’

After their well-earned draw against Spurs, Everton face a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday.

Doucoure will miss the game through suspension, meaning James Garner or Tom Davies could come into the side.

United look set to be without Luke Shaw after he limped out of the win against Brentford on Wednesday.

MORE : Man Utd’s Wout Weghorst should not be underestimated, warns Sean Dyche

MORE : Tottenham should re-sign Luka Modric, reckons former boss Harry Redknapp

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Lionel Messi: What Team Will Argentina Soccer Star Play For in 2021-2022 Season?

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April 6, 2023

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Lionel Messi: What Team Will Argentina Soccer Star Play For in 2021-2022 Season?

Everything is a possibility when it comes to Lionel Messi’s future. According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, the Argentina captain has received offers from Saudi Arabia and the USA’s Major League Soccer, as well as interest from Barcelona, though no official offer has been made yet. Messi had previously agreed in principle to renew his contract with Paris St-Germain for another year, but he is not convinced that the club can remain competitive at the top of European football due to Financial Fair Play regulations.

The pressure from the club’s Qatar owners is immense, and a number of clubs from around the world are attempting to convince the 2022 World Cup winner to sign for them. Messi had left Barcelona for financial reasons in 2021, and was met by whistles from a small section of PSG fans after news broke that Barcelona were in contact with him about returning to the club. Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and agent, had a 25-minute meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta in a Barcelona hotel, though the main theme of the conversation was not the future of Leo but how Barcelona can give him an homage.

Xavi, Barcelona’s manager, speaks regularly to Messi and paints him a picture of a team that needs his quality. However, there has been no offer from Barcelona yet, and every week that passes without an offer decreases the amount they will probably offer. Messi has had an offer this week to sign for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League for in excess of 400m euros for one season, as well as an approach from Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

At this point, nobody knows where Messi will end up. His priority is to stay in the elite game until the 2024 Copa America, which puts PSG still in the forefront. However, if the only offer that Messi has got to stay in the elite game is PSG, and he is not fully convinced because of their sporting situation, Barcelona could come in and offer him something less than what he deserves. Messi also has offers from Saudi Arabia and MLS, and it is anyone’s guess as to which one he will choose.

Lampard Honors Potter After Chelsea Dismissal

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April 6, 2023

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Lampard Honors Potter After Chelsea Dismissal

After Graham Potter’s sacking, Frank Lampard has been appointed as Chelsea’s caretaker manager for the rest of the season. Potter took over from Thomas Tuchel in September but was dismissed on Sunday after just six months at Stamford Bridge. The team is currently 11th in the Premier League, with only five wins from 17 games since the season resumed in December after the World Cup. Lampard has been appointed while the club continues its search for a permanent replacement, having already spoken to Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique this week.

During his press conference on Thursday, Lampard praised Potter, whose team was booed off the pitch by Chelsea’s supporters following their 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa on Saturday. Lampard said that he had been thinking about his new role and speaking to people who would be helping him to do the job. He added that he had his own ideas about where he wanted to go and that he had watched the team play against Liverpool on Tuesday.

Lampard said that he wanted to give credit to Potter, who he did not know well but believed was a good man and a very good coach. He added that sometimes things did not align or work out for whatever reason, and that he had been in that situation personally. Lampard stressed that he would not be looking backwards, but would focus on things that could help the team move forward.

Lampard also said that every Chelsea player would be given a clean slate following his return to Stamford Bridge. He acknowledged that modern-day football had big squads and that Chelsea might be at the top end of that. Lampard remembered being there before and having lots of difficult decisions to make about really good players and good people who were not involved that week. He said that part of the job was to manage that situation and make every player feel included.

Lampard believed that going into this short-term role was a positive thing for him because everyone could have a clean slate and show their competitive nature in training, which could then crossover onto the pitch. He said that the squad was a good thing because players could push each other and try to manage that.

In conclusion, Lampard has been appointed as Chelsea’s caretaker manager for the rest of the season while the club continues its search for a permanent replacement. Lampard praised Potter, who he believed was a good man and a very good coach. Lampard stressed that he would not be looking backwards, but would focus on things that could help the team move forward. He said that every Chelsea player would be given a clean slate and that he would try to manage the situation and make every player feel included.

Cody Gakpo unsure on “long-term plan” for Liverpool role – ask the manager!

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April 6, 2023

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Cody Gakpo unsure on “long-term plan” for Liverpool role – ask the manager!

Cody Gakpo has steadily grown into his false nine role at Liverpool since arriving in January, but is still unsure on the long-term plan.

Gakpo impressed for the Netherlands at the World Cup, scoring three goals as his nation reached the quarter-final stage, where they were knocked out by the eventual winners, Argentina, on penalties.

His performances in Qatar attracted interest from several clubs but it was Liverpool that signed the attacker, agreeing a fee of £37 million with PSV Eindhoven.

Since moving to Merseyside, the Dutchman has taken a while to settle in, with Jurgen Klopp opting to play him in a new centre-forward position, replacing Roberto Firmino in the team.

This is a new role for Gakpo, who was previously known for playing on the left and cutting inside onto his right foot.

He has steadily growing into the position, though, and really announced his arrival at Anfield with two lovely goals in Liverpool’s 7-0 demolition of Man United.

Despite playing the majority of his football through the middle under Klopp, Gakpo has admitted that he isn’t sure where he will play in the long term.

Speaking to The Athletic, Gakpo said: “I’ve played almost all my games here in that false nine position.

“For me, it’s just a case of getting used to it. Whether that’s the long-term plan for me, you’d have to speak to the coach about that.”

The 23-year-old also explained how Firmino – who will leave in the summer after occupying the false nine position since 2015 – has helped him learn the role.

“Bobby is an amazing player and also an amazing person. He tries to help me [play that position] in any way he can and I really appreciate it,” added Gakpo.

During his time with the club so far, Gakpo has averaged just under one goal for every three matches played, while Firmino has a goal every 2.56 games across his Liverpool career.

The Brazilian’s job description hasn’t been to score the most goals in the team, though.

With Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah on either flank and Luis Diaz returning soon too, Gakpo will hope to end the season on a high.

He said: “Everyone helped me in the beginning to settle. I’m looking forward to working hard with the team, improving and winning games again.”

“The message from the manager [after losing 4-1 to Man City] was that we had to stick together, we had to keep going,” Gakpo continued.

“Everyone knows it’s been a difficult time but if we all stay together then I know things will turn for us.”

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Neil Lennon urges Mikel Arteta to play ‘dynamic’ Arsenal star and makes title race prediction

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April 6, 2023

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Neil Lennon urges Mikel Arteta to play ‘dynamic’ Arsenal star and makes title race prediction

Manchester City v Arsenal: Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round — Kieran Tierney has started just four league games this season (Photo: Getty)

Neil Lennon believes Mikel Arteta should and will rely more on Kieran Tierney as Arsenal look to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title.

Arsenal currently have an eight-point lead over City in the table, though they have played a game more, as we enter the final phase of the season.

There is real belief that the Gunners can end their 19-year wait for a league title, though they have a lot of tricky fixtures remaining, including matches at Liverpool, City and Newcastle and home clashes against Chelsea and Brighton.

With no other competitions left to play in, Arteta doesn’t have to worry about rotating his team a lot, bar for injuries, with the in-form Oleksandr Zinchenko set to keep his place at left-back.

However, Lennon thinks that the manager could actually bench the Ukraine star in favour of the more defensively minded Tierney, with the need to keep things tight at the back more pressing than ever before.

‘I think he will be used between now and the end of the season and I think he is going to play a massive part in Mikel’s plans,’ Lennon, who managed Tierney at Celtic, said whilst speaking about Old Firm Derby betting.

‘I watched him play left centre-half for Scotland against Spain and he was outstanding. He’s a brilliant player who has struggled with niggly injuries over the years and you hope he can get a good run of games.

Arsenal FC v Leeds United - Premier League — Oleksandr Zinchenko is Arsenal’s first choice left-back (Photo: Getty)

‘I really think he is a top defender and I think the closer Arsenal get towards the end of the season, the more or a role I think he will play. I like Zinchenko and I think he is a fabulous player, but I’m not convinced he’s as good a defender as Kieran.

‘I think he is actually likely to play at the Etihad against Man City, he may not have as soft feet as Zinchenko – who can manipulate the ball in tight areas – Kieran is more of a dynamic player who drives teams up the pitch.

‘But he is a brilliant defender, who still has a lot to offer Arsenal and Mikel, which will certainly be in the back of his mind as well.’

Tierney has actually been tipped to leave Arsenal in the summer due to his lack of game time, with Newcastle heavily linked with the 25-year-old.

Arsenal FC v Sporting CP: Round of 16 Leg Two - UEFA Europa League — Can Mikel Arteta end Arsenal’s 19-year wait for a league title? (Photo: Getty)

For now though, he’ll look to help the Gunners in any way that he can until the end of the season, with Lennon reckoning that the title race is still too close to call and will go down to the very last game.

The former Man City player added: ‘I think everyone has been asking the question of Arsenal all season. They’ve had their little wobble and lost games to Everton and then to Man City, but they’ve reacted so well and won every game since then.

‘The title credentials are there and City have had their own problems there. The balance of the team, at times, has just not looked right.

‘Pep has fluctuated sometimes between a three and a four with the inverted full-backs. It has worked at times, but they also haven’t been as consistent and met that incredibly high bar.

‘Liverpool aren’t in the greatest of form, but that will be a test for Arsenal away this weekend. Something still in the back of my mind is saying this will go down right to the wire.

‘Arsenal have that cushion, but they still have to go to the Etihad. If City win their game in hand, it is five points.

‘Suddenly, if they win at the Etihad that gap is now shaved down to two. You just can never write City off with the coach and the players and the mentality they have.

‘They’ve found a groove again and they are winning games really well, just like at the weekend. They are one of the best teams in Europe in that form, if not the best.’