As I watched Arsenal succumb to a second-string Southampton side at a dreary and sparsely populated Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, my mind drifted back to a League Cup game a decade ago.

It was a mid-week fixture between Arsenal and Wigan and it was freezing, but the stadium was packed (aside from empty seats in the Wigan end) and the atmosphere frenzied.

Wigan scored in the last minute of extra-time and Arsenal were knocked out. But it was fun. We saw a Robin van Persie pearler, an Thierry Henry header, Wigan fans almost storming the pitch and dejected Arsenal players slumped to the floor at the final whistle.

On Wednesday night, there was no Van Persie, no Henry, little noise and no dejection. There was Lucas Perez, Jeff Reine-Adelaide and a few weary sighs of resignation.

It got me thinking, from the perspective of fan’s experience, what are the benefits of our move to the Emirates Stadium?

The club said that we would experience ‘better facilities’. They also said that all seats in the new stadium would provide a good, unobstructed view. The club said that thousands of Gooners, hitherto frustrated by limited ticket availability, would finally be able to regularly watch their team. They said accessibility would be improved. These promises were all fulfilled.

But at what cost?

We have better facilities so people hang around the concourse until five minutes into the second half. We have softer seats with great views so people stay sitting on them. We have speedy electronic turnstiles to expedite increased attendances so no-one sings in solidarity as the tension in the queue builds outside.

And most importantly, we no longer watch Arsenal at a place called Highbury. We watch them at Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger once said: “I believe the big clubs’ worry about values and identity.”

And they do.

Liverpool know the value of Anfield and what it contributes to the club’s unique identity. Accordingly, despite facing similar issues to those Arsenal faced while at Highbury, they declined to sacrifice their soul to make a quick buck. Instead, they opted to stay put, increase the capacity of the famous old ground and maintain its iconic Anfield moniker.

Manchester United have taken the same route. Gradually, they have increased the capacity at Old Trafford, never considering a name sponsor, aware of the damage this would do to the club’s identity and commercial power.

If Arsene Wenger’s big club criteria test were taken by Arsenal, they would fail it. By moving to Emirates Stadium, they didn’t worry about values and identity; they worried about money.

But, in hindsight, the money argument doesn’t hold water and smacks of short-termism. Especially when one considers, if you excuse for a moment the unsettling notion, the club as a brand.

A brand is sold on its values, on what it represents. The Manchester United brand represents triumph in the face of tragedy. The Munich Air disaster followed by a European cup; an irresistible money-spinning renaissance.

The Real Madrid brand represents glitz, bravado and the elite. The biggest stars from Di Stefano to Puskas to Cristiano Ronaldo, the Zidanes and Beckhams in between.

The Arsenal brand, through Highbury, could have represented a commitment to heritage. A century-old Grade II listed building tucked into narrow North-London streets, lined with terraced Victorian housing. The coalman’s horse and cart reportedly buried beneath the North-Bank. The marble halls. The tradition. The name. Highbury: a more commercially viable product than an identikit European-style bowl stadium named after a Dubai-based corporation.

Values must be carried through generations to cement them within an idea or a culture. Arsenal had those values already embedded through Highbury and didn’t twig.

What if, on Wednesday night, we were sat in an expanded Highbury instead of The Emirates? Would the passivity among the fans have been infiltrated by the aura of the arena? Would everyone have been reminded of who we are, what this club means and the standards it has set?

If those at the helm of the club are willing to hand over its identity to an Airline operator for a fat cheque, does this indifference to the club’s heritage filter down?

Maybe it’s just a name. Maybe Highbury was just a building. Maybe we still would have lost two-nil.

But at least there would have been a dejection among the players. At least there would have been a sense of shame at their sub-par performance on a history-rich stage where so many greats have shone.

At least we would have seen them slumped on the turf, like they were against Wigan a decade ago, desperate for an extra five minutes to put things right, instead of swiftly exiting into the warm bowels of the luxurious Emirates facilities amid the low din of a disconnected crowd.

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Manchester United’s form since their derby defeat to Manchester City has been borderline abysmal. Jose Mourinho faces the arduous task of trying to overturn this once fearsome club back into one of English football’s premier teams.

As it stands, the Red Devils sit closer to the relegation zone than the summit of the Premier League – where they’re demanded to be by the club’s stakeholders.

While United seemed to have made significant progress in their path to recovery in August, the club now looks like its going in a backward direction under the Portuguese manager rather than progressing as expected.

The over-reliance on players such as Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has become the downfall of the team, with injuries and lack of form affecting the duo.

To completely overturn the team’s recent form, Mourinho must use the club’s power in the transfer window this January. Here are five things ‘The Special One’ must prioritise during the four-week window.

Find a midfield hardman

A major cause for concern for Mourinho must be the team’s lack of steel and grit in midfield. Historically, United have had some notorious figures in midfield commanding proceedings on a weekly basis such as Paul Ince and Roy Keane.

Other rivals, such as Chelsea (N’Golo Kante) and Manchester City (Fernandinho), can lay claim to having a monster in the middle proving the catalyst to their success.

If Mourinho is to become a success at United, he must identify the new Nemanja Matic, someone that proved a major success for him at Chelsea through height and physicality.

Free Wayne Rooney

Of late, Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United career has gone on a downward spiral. The legendary striker and soon-to-be club record goalscorer has become the scapegoat for the Red Devils’ recent demise.

Mourinho must consider flogging his club captain for the sake of his career, his iconic status and the team, with everyone seemingly in need of a fresh challenge.

Everton could be one of the club’s leading the chase for his signature if Mourinho considers selling, whilst a move to the MLS or the Far East can’t be ruled out either.

Solve the on-going right-back issue

It wouldn’t be harsh to describe Matteo Darmian’s Old Trafford career and meaningless and ineffective.

The Italian international was signed in 2015 from Torino in the hope of finally filling the void left by Gary Neville since his retirement in 2011. Darmian has struggled to settle into life in Manchester but oddly, still maintained his starting birth in the Italian national team.

For everyone’s sake, Mourinho must sell the defender and prioritise the position this winter with a long-term solution to a long-standing problem.

Make room for Henrikh Mkhitaryan

The signing of Henrikh Mkhitaryan had the footballing world in awe at United’s ability to capture one of the most in-form playmakers in world football.

The Armenian midfielder has struggled in England thus far, however, and his relationship with Mourinho doesn’t seem secure. This January, Mourinho must make space in his squad to ensure Mkhitaryan can play on a regular basis – which means offloading some of his other options in the middle-to-final third.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder could be the light to spark a title bid.

Snap up Virgil Van Dijk

The transfer market can be likened to the stock exchange. Regularly investments fail, however, often bargains can be found before their value increases.

This could be the case with Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. Aged just 25 years-old, his stock is set to rise in the coming months, and a move now could save United a fortune in the long run.

Not only the financial side of things, Mourinho could also ensure a young and vigorous partnership of van Dijk and Bailly for years to come.

Arsenal’s past month hasn’t quite gone according to plan, with the Gunners potentially finding themselves 11 points behind leaders Chelsea if the Blues win tonight against Tottenham Hotspur, which gives Arsene Wenger’s side a lot to do in the second-half of the season.Having had the chance to move top of the Premier League last month if they overcame Everton, the Gunners sunk to consecutive defeats and saw their chances of ending a 13-year wait for a Premier League crown slip away.Now, Arsenal are left fighting for a top-four finish and will look to the cup competitions as a chance for success. If they are to emerge victorious, then one particular player will be the centre of their glory.

With his goal against Bournemouth last night, which was the first of Arsenal’s three as they fought back from the jaws of defeat, Alexis Sanchez became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to be involved in 20+ goals this season.

Boasting 13 goals and seven assists, Alexis finds himself above some of the finest players in the world and it only intensifies the need for Arsenal to secure him to a new contract.

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Celtic launch an assault on their fourth competition of the season today with a Scottish Cup match against Albion Rovers at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.

The Bhoys have already won one of those competitions this season and they’re also well on their way to another of them – Rodgers’ team are currently 19 points ahead in the Scottish Premiership, having won every game but one.

That’s the best domestic start by a new manager at Celtic in the club’s entire existence, just one of a number of ways the former Liverpool boss is making history at Celtic Park.

The Scottish Cup is the oldest trophy in world football and the Bhoys have lifted it the most times – a massive 36, to be exact.

It remains a trophy fans are desperate to win, but why? Why should Celtic take this competition as seriously as playing the likes of Barcelona in the Champions League?

Here are THREE reasons the Scottish Cup is still vitally important to Celtic…

Treble yell

Despite Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football, domestic trebles don’t come around that often. In fact, it’s only been done three times in their history; twice under Jock Stein in the 1960s and once under Martin O’Neill in 2001.

Rodgers’ spell at Celtic is already drawing strong parallels with Martin O’Neill’s run as Celtic boss and many fans are dreaming of a similar debut treble.

The 3-0 destruction of Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup Final in November showed that they mean business this season, and given they’re are also streaking ahead in the league, it’s only really the Scottish Cup that remains a big challenge for the Hoops in the second half of the season.

Can Rodgers emulate the likes of O’Neill and Stein? It’d almost certainly make him a legend with the Celtic support for years and years to come.

Unbeaten run

Celtic now have another goal in the second half of the season, self-imposed due to their unbelievable form in the first few months of this term: to go unbeaten in domestic football for an entire season.

The Hoops have won every single one of their domestic matches apart from one: a 2-2 draw away to Inverness in which the home side scored an equaliser in the last minute.

Celtic have only gone unbeaten in the league for an entire season once in their history and that was back in 1898 during a campaign that lasted just 18 games. They also went out of the Scottish Cup.

That means going unbeaten for the rest of the season would be historic, legendary and unprecedented. Motivation enough to try and pick up the famous old trophy while their league form is so good.

Tradition and history

As noted, Celtic have lifted the Scottish Cup more than any other side in history. It’s a point of pride that Celtic fans take seriously and the national competition has provided them with some wonderful moments over the years.

From 1965 when Jock Stein won his first trophy, to 1988 when the club won a double in their centenary year, right through to 2013 when the Bhoys defeated Hibs 3-0 in the final.

That 2013 victory was the last time the Hoops lifted the trophy and fans would love nothing more this season than to lift it again.

It’s a competition that’s been very competitive over the last decade with seven different winners in that time. For Celtic fans, it’s important to show why they’ve lifted the trophy so many times and re-assert their domestic dominance.

Leeds United have stood as a sleeping dragon within English football ever since their relegation in 2004, with the Peacocks regularly tipped to make a return to the top-flight but always seeming to underperform and fall short.This season, however, could be different as Garry Monk has led the Yorkshire giants valiantly; standing fourth in the Championship, six points behind leaders Brighton and five points off the automatic promotion spots.With Brighton and Newcastle looking strong this season, Leeds may have to settle for a spot in the play-offs but there is every chance the Peacocks could go all the way to celebrations at Wembley- with this stat showing the changes Monk has overseen.

Scoring ten goals from corners so far this season, Leeds have already surpassed the figure they boast from the past two seasons combined- with just shy of 25% of the Peacocks goals this season coming from those set-pieces.

If Leeds maintain this ratio, opposition defences won’t have a moments rest and will struggle to keep Leeds out, which is good news for the supporters at Elland Road.

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Players like Gabriel Batistuta, who will take part in the ICONS of Football 2017 golf tournament this summer, belong to a bygone era; once reluctant to even play football competitively, he’s now remembered as one of the greatest cult heroes in the history of Serie A. Cult heroism usually suggests an underappreciated industriousness that rises to acclaim over a long period of time, but Batistuta was a different kind – he was pure class, world-class, but placed loyalty to his club and supporters above the modern-day lust for fortune and silverware.

No doubt, Batistuta wanted to win titles. But to put it into his own words, a title with Fiorentina was worth ten times more to him than one with Milan or Juventus. That’s where the Argentine spent the majority of his career after emerging as one of his country’s finest young talents throughout spells with Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate and Boca Juniors. He quickly established himself as one of the top strikers in Serie A and European football, but rejected regular advances from Manchester United and Real Madrid to stay with Viola – even when they suffered relegation to the second-tier in 1993.

Seven years later, when Batistuta finally left for Roma at the age of 31, he’d fired Fiorentina to the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer – the first hat-trick of his 207-goal haul was scored 22 years ago today – and had emerged as such an inspirational figure that fans built a life-size bronze statue of him in front of one of the stands at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Batistuta won the league title with Roma, scoring 20 goals during his debut season, a symbolic reward of the quality he’d shown throughout his career – it almost felt like an honorary gesture from the footballing gods. After that, his career took him farther afield. After his time with Giallorossi, which included a loan spell at Inter, he ended his career with Al-Arabi in Qatar – setting a new record of 25 goals scored in a single campaign.

However, it wasn’t just in Italy where Batistuta’s presence was felt. Similar heroics for Argentina gave him the platform for worldwide acclaim, which he duly took at three World Cups. Although none of the tournaments were particularly successful for Albiceleste, never surpassing the quarter-finals, Batistuta scored ten goals in 12 appearances and is still the only player in the competition’s history to score hat-tricks at consecutive tournaments.

But in a way, it was Fiorentina and Argentina’s limitations that made Batistuta so iconic, his ability to defy them through his passion and talent. Rather than record transfer fees, millionaire salaries and trophies, Batitstuta wanted to be a champion of the people – of his own people – and wanted to become one on his own terms.

It may seem a romanticised reflection of Batitstuta’s career, but it’s also the reason Rest of the World captain Darren Clarke identified the South American as the player he’s most looking forward to working with at ICONS of Football this summer, hosted at The Belfry from 23rd-25th June. Whilst talent is undeniably important, ROTW will need heroes to overcome a talented England side boasting home advantage – Batistuta is certainly one of those.

Tickets for Icons of Football 2017 are available now at icons-series.com

Eden Hazard’s brother Thorgan recently suggested that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only players better than the Chelsea playmaker at the moment, but fans believe that he is nowhere near their level just yet.

Last season, Hazard had a dismal spell at Stamford Bridge during a campaign that left the club struggling and without a permanent manager following Jose Mourinho’s sacking.

After Antonio Conte’s arrival in the summer, Hazard has reignited his form, scoring 10 goals and creating three assists in 23 Premier League appearances.

One particular goal has sparked debate over whether it should be deemed goal of the season so far.

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It came against Arsenal last weekend at Stamford Bridge in the second half, when he picked the ball up from the halfway line and evaded his markers before sending it past Petr Cech.

Chelsea went on to win the game 3-1, and Hazard’s brother, who left the Blues to join Borussia Monchengladbach in 2015, has praised his sibling.

In an interview with Goal.com, Thorgan said:

“Yes, everybody thinks Eden has the potential to become the world’s best player, but we have at the moment two [exceptional] players in Ronaldo and Messi. They are very strong so maybe Eden will have to wait a little bit until they stop or when they are really old!

“He could become the best – for me, he is already one of the best. I want to see him go third on the [Ballon d’Or] list one day soon and I think he’ll do it.”

The comments have sparked a debate on Twitter, with many fans thinking that Hazard has a way to go before he can be deemed as good as the world’s best.

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Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has confirmed he is keen to stay with the Premier League giants amidst continued speculation on the Argentine’s future, The Daily Mail reports.

What’s the word?

Facing competition from Gabriel Jesus and Kelechi Iheanacho at the Etihad Stadium, with some suggesting he also doesn’t fit into Pep Guardiola’s style of play, there have been a number of reports that suggest Sergio Aguero could leave the Premier League this summer.

City’s all-time top-scorer has been a huge hit in English football since moving to Manchester from Atletico Madrid but, despite notching 17 goals this season, the Argentine international has certainly not quite been at his best this season.

Guardiola’s side would expect a momentous sum if they were to cash-in on Aguero but, despite his competition for first-team football, the South American made it keen he wants to stay on at the club.

What was said?

Quoted by The Daily Mail, Aguero said after his two-goal haul against Monaco in the Champions League: 

‘As I’ve always said I want to be here at the club, I’ve always said that at the end of the season it won’t be my decision. The truth is that with these things it’s the club that handles everything, and obviously it’s always my intention to stay.’

‘We (Guardiola) get on very well. What he wants, above everything, from all the players is that we push a little more.  He’s always asking me for more, more, more [looks up and smiles], obviously it’s a sacrifice I have to make, that we all have to make, and fortunately tonight it worked and we’ll see if it keeps working in the next game.’

‘The only thing I can do is keep fighting to be able to play. Fortunately he counted on me, now I have to help the team and show what I can do.’

Would selling Aguero be wrong?

Undoubtably. Aguero may be short of his brilliant best this season but the fact that he’s still managed to net 17 goals says everything- and that tally includes a brace against Monaco last night, which gave the Citizens a 5-3 first-leg advantage.

At 28-years-old, Aguero is also in the prime years of his career and his overall play in the win over Monaco showed he can fit into Guardiola’s style, as he was determined to close down any loose ball and didn’t give a shaky Monaco defence a moment of peace.

Gabriel Jesus and Kelechi Iheanacho are certainly both the future at the Etihad Stadium but with the pair 19 and 20 respectively, putting too much pressure on their shoulders this soon could have disastrous consequences.

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Everton manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that Ross Barkley has not been given an ultimatum, but suggests that if the midfielder does not sign a new contract in the summer he will be sold.

What’s the latest?

The England international has 15 months left on his current contract, and the fact that he is yet to sign a new one has sparked speculation over his future.

The uncertainty is particularly strong due to the current situation involving Romelu Lukaku, who according to numerous reports, has rejected a £140,000-a-week contract offer.

In Thursday’s press conference, Koeman addressed the media insisting that the club want Barkley to pen a new deal.

However, the Dutchman did suggest that the midfielder would be sold rather than allowed to run down the final year of his contract.

Koeman told reporters:

“Normally you make decisions at the end of the season, and you need to sign a new contract or you sell the player.

“There is no ultimatum, no, but it’s normal, it’s business, you don’t give every player in his last season a contract, and I think the player by himself needs to understand this.

“It is not an ultimatum – I spoke to Ross about a new contract and now it is up to the board to get that contract over the line, and if not, as a player you see a new future for yourself.”

What could happen next?

It is clear that Koeman wants to keep Barkley at the club, but his comments suggest that he is unwilling to wait around for the midfielder.

The Dutchman stressed that the homegrown player has not been given an ultimatum, but hinting that the 23-year-old will be sold if he fails to agree fresh terms at the end of the season sure sounds like one.

Barkley has made over 150 appearances for the Toffees since coming through the youth ranks, so it would be a wrench for the midfielder to leave his boyhood club.

However, there is likely to be options for him in the Premier League if he wants to remain in England.

The Mirror reports that Chelsea are considering a big-money swoop for both Barkley and Lukaku.

Elsewhere in London, Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino is also believed to be keeping tabs on Barkley’s situation.

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When Rafael Bentiez undertook his root-and-stemÂrebuild of Newcastle United over the course of the summer, one of the major departments of his side in need of surgery was in central defence.

While the Spaniard’s arrival did ultimately lead to a sterner back line towards the end of last season, this is a team who had conceded 53 goals by March 2016 and one who had almost entirely capitulated in a defensive sense. Captain Fabricio Coloccini had seemingly thrown in the towel, and Steven Taylor’s black and white-beating heart couldn’t make up for his weary legs.

Naturally, both were shown the exit door during the summer, leaving a wealth of experience behind them, though it’s hard to imagine many tears were shed.

So, Benitez’s decision to hand the relatively inexperienced Jamaal Lascelles captaincy as he built an entirely new squad from the ashes of the Alan Pardew/John Carver and Steve McClaren eras was initially met with some raised eyebrows. Indeed, the fact the Toon’s new leader would be paired by Ciaran Clark, a man who had struggled to convince at Aston Villa of all places, may have looked like a risky move as they attempted to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

In truth, both Lascelles and Clark have been absolutely vital to Newcastle’s table-topping form ever since. The former, excepting a few poor games, is growing into his role with the armband with every passing game, it seems, and finally gives the home crowd a focal point of reference, something that has been missing from St. James’ Park ever since Coloccini gave up the ghost following his failed move to San Lorenzo in January 2013.

Clark, meanwhile, is surely up there with Dwight Gayle as Benitez’s best signing thus far, giving Lascelles a formidable defensive partner, as well as his manager a palpable goal threat from set-pieces.

As things stand, there’s really no reason why these two wouldn’t be given a fair crack of the whip should Newcastle make it to the Premier League, especially with Lascelles impressing towards the back end of last season.

Still, there is another man upon which Newcastle can build their defence. A certain Chancel Mbemba.

In a situation not unlike to another man signed from Anderlecht over the course of the 2015 summer transfer window, Aleksandar Mitrovic, the Congolese has found life difficult in the second tier. Having made only eight appearances this season, the defender doesn’t seem to have earned his manager’s trust.

In fact, it’s widely accepted that his performance during the 2-0 defeat to Wolves back in September, a game in which he scored an own goal, is one of the major reasons the 22-year-old has found the route to the first-team hard to hurdle. Considering the burgeoning Lascelles-Clark partnership, it’s been easy to forget his presence in the squad altogether.

So his recent social media post reaffirming his commitment to the cause put him back into the limelight somewhat. Despite his lack of playing time, Mbemba seems up for the cause and, while that might seem the least you’d expect from a professional footballer, it’s not always something Newcastle have had in their players over the last few years.

Sure, having the desire to play is one thing, but there’s little doubt he can actually back it up. Noted for his athletic ability last season, Mbemba gives Newcastle another dimension when at his best. Able to bring the ball out of defence, his pace and power are aspects that could compliment both Lascelles and Clark in the Premier League, even if he a little rash at times.

In the Championship, teams rarely take the game to the Toon Army, who are then forced to try and break down their opposition, something they struggle with when Jonjo Shelvey has an off day. Having someone comfortable enough to provide an extra body in midfield would help in those type of games, especially if Newcastle’s bread and butter points next season (pending promotion) are to come against compact teams competing towards the lower end of the league. Â

During his excursions with his national team at the African Cup of Nations, he was even deployed in a holding midfield role, such is his physical presence and ability to get across the middle of the park. Jack Colback has regressed somewhat, making Isaac Hayden’s absence even more glaring, and the Magpies haven’t had a midfield ‘destroyer’ since Cheick Tiote lost any trace of form over two years ago.

Interestingly enough, he also affords Benitez the option to deploy a three-man defence. As good as Lascelles has been, the skipper can often look like a man overcome by nerves and the former Nottingham Forest defender is not without a mistake in him. We’ve seen what impact a defensive triumvirate can have amongst the English elite and having a man who can give Benitez such tactical fluidity cannot be a bad thing.

Lascelles, Clark and Mbemba playing in a three-man defence would then allow DeAndre Yedlin to operate as a right-wing back and the American’s searing pace has been of Newcastle’s most effective attacking outlets this term. A new signing at left-back may be required, but the option to switch systems is an immeasurably exciting notion on Tyneside, considering the stagnating feeling around the club, which played a huge part in their relegation.

There’s likely to be interest in Mbemba during the summer, whatever division Newcastle find themselves in. Linked with Crystal Palace over the course of the January window and even Arsenal in the summer before that, he’s unlikely to be short of too many suitors over the next few months.

For Newcastle’s sake, they cannot afford to sell a Premier League-quality players in waiting, if they are going to make a real go of things there themselves.

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