News News Blog: Sunderland

Teams: Jurgen Klopp misses out but makes one change to Liverpool team to face Sunderland

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LIVERPOOL have made one change from the line up which lost 2-0 to Leicester City on Tuesday.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurgen Klopp will miss the match with suspected appendicitis.</td></tr>
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Welshman Joe Allen starts in place of Lucas, who drops to the bench.</div>
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While Daniel Sturridge makes a surprise appearance on the bench after joining training this week.</div>
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Jurgen Klopp missed the match after suffering a a suspected bout of appendicitis.</div>
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Wahbi Khazri makes his first start for Sunderland alongside young forward Duncan Watmore.</div>
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Fabio Borini and Jeremain Lens drop out of the squad with injury.</div>
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<strong>Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Allen, Lallana, Milner, Firmino.</strong></div>
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<em>Subs: Ward, Toure, Benteke, Sturridge, Lucas, Ibe, Flanagan.</em></div>
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<strong>Sunderland: Mannone, Jones, van Aanholt, O’Shea, Kone, Kirchhoff, Cattermole, M’Vila, Khazri, Watmore, Defoe.</strong></div>
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<em>Subs: Pickford, Brown, Rodwell, N’Doye, Johnson, Toivonen, Yedlin.</em></div>

Teams: Jurgen Klopp misses out but makes one change to Liverpool team to face Sunderland

LIVERPOOL have made one change from the line up which lost 2-0 to Leicester City on Tuesday. Jurgen Klopp will miss the match with ...

Liverpool 2 - Sunderland 2: Late Black Cats comeback sees Reds fail to win without Klopp

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JURGEN KLOPP was unable to rely on his Liverpool side to do their job without him as Sunderland recovered to earn a point at Anfield.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liverpool's fans at Anfield were gutted with the result</td></tr>
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The Reds boss missed the Premier League game <a href="http://go.ad2up.com/afu.php?id=451019" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">due to suspected appendicitis</a> and Liverpool were suffered with the absence of the manager as goals from Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana weren't enough to ensure them victory.</div>
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Supporters at Anfield had to wait until the second half before the hosts opened the scoring as Sam Allardyce's witheld the wave of pressure in the first half.</div>
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Just before the hour mark, James Milner whipped in a deep cross and picked out team-mate Firmino who nodded home at the back post.</div>
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In the 70th minute, Firmino showed his class and ability in attack as he won the ball back for the Reds before darting into the penalty area and feeding Adam Lallana who charged in to seemingly finish the game off.</div>
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Sunderland did provide themselves with a lifeline late on as Adam Johnson scored a low free-kick from around 20 yards - Sunderland's sixth away goal in three matches.</div>
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Jermain Defoe then levelled late on to rob the Reds on Merseyside.</div>
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Liverpool inevitably suffered further setbacks too to add insult to injury.</div>
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Centre-half Dejan Lovren lasted only 12 minutes before he was subsituted for Kolo Toure, while Joe Allen sustained a knock at the end of the first half which forced him off too.</div>
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Liverpool climbed one spot to seventh despite failing to earn all three points, while Allardyce's relegation-threatened Black Cats stayed 19th.</div>

Liverpool 2 - Sunderland 2: Late Black Cats comeback sees Reds fail to win without Klopp

JURGEN KLOPP was unable to rely on his Liverpool side to do their job without him as Sunderland recovered to earn a point at Anfield. ...

Sunderland 0 - Man City 1: Sergio Aguero strikes as City move clear of Arsenal

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SERGIO AGUERO fired Manchester City beyond Sunderland in the first game since the announcement Manuel Pellegrini would leave the club in the summer.</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sergio Aguero scored the only goal as City beat West Ham</td></tr>
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Pep Guardiola will replace the Chilean in June but City showed no sign of easing up and marched two points clear of Arsenal - who were held by Southampton.</div>
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Aguero struck in the 16th minute to put City ahead firing into the top corner from the edge of the box.</div>
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He was caught by Billy Jones on the leg to give City fans a scare but managed to carry on.</div>
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Yaya Toure was impressive in midfield but City were unable to find another breakthrough.</div>
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Leicester's win over Liverpool keeps them three points clear at the top while Tottenham leapfrogged Arsenal with their win over Norwich.</div>

Sunderland 0 - Man City 1: Sergio Aguero strikes as City move clear of Arsenal

SERGIO AGUERO fired Manchester City beyond Sunderland in the first game since the announcement Manuel Pellegrini would leave the club in th...

Tottenham 4 - Sunderland 1: Title credentials shown but Pochettino says fourth's realistic

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FORGET all the old clichés about Spurs having a soft underbelly and lacking the toughness required for a sustained title challenge.</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eriksen (right) bagged a double as Dembele (top left) and Kane also found the net</td></tr>
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They proved that was nonsense with a superb reaction here to the narrow midweek home defeat by Leicester, romping to a victory inspired by two goals from Christian Eriksen. </div>
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Midfielder Mousa Dembele also scored and the triumph was capped by a powerhouse penalty late in the game by England striker Harry Kane. It was a vibrant all-round display by Tottenham that delighted manager Mauricio Pochettino. </div>
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“I am very happy,” he said. “That was a fantastic reaction by the players and it shows that although they are young they have a very strong mentality. </div>
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“It was important to win this game as we did, and now the players must get even stronger. </div>
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“I think fourth in the table is a realistic position for us, and it is too early to speak about the title. We have to keep learning and keep improving. The time to set objectives is when there eight, nine or ten games left in the season.”</div>
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For the opening half hour Pochettino had been a manager jumping on hot coals down at the touchline as his team failed to capitalise on their almost complete domination of the ball. </div>
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Some of that was down to the brilliance of Sunderland’s young goalkeeper Jordan Pickford who made a series of flying saves. </div>
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Some of it was Tottenham’s desire to tiptoe through the massed defence and find all routes blocked, and some of it was poor shooting. </div>
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The frustration only multiplied when Sunderland took a surprise lead in the 41st minute with a wonderfully crafted goal. Adam Johnson played a defence-splitting pass and full-back Patrick Van Aanholt ran clear in the area to score precisely at the near post. </div>
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Jermain Defoe had been showing flashes of evergreen energy and excellence for the visitors, but it was only a matter of time before the control of Spurs was translated into goals. They had an instant response to going behind. </div>
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He was horribly late trying to tackle Spurs full-back Danny Rose in the box and conceded an obvious penalty. It was dispatched with bravura confidence by Kane, whose all-round performance once again highlighted his international credentials and emphasised why giants like Real Madrid are watching him with envy. </div>
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Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce was under the weather and the defeat didn’t brighten his mood. </div>
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“Kirchoff has found out how difficult it is in the Premier League,” he said. </div>
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“We had to get him on at some stage, and you can’t judge a man on one swallow. </div>
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“He knows what the pace is like now. He’s contributed to the loss with the penalty, but we opened up too much --- that was the problem.”</div>
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Tottenham 4 - Sunderland 1: Title credentials shown but Pochettino says fourth's realistic

FORGET all the old clichés about Spurs having a soft underbelly and lacking the toughness required for a sustained title challenge. ...

Celtic join race for Sunderland striker despite shock China link

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STEVEN FLETCHER may be handed a return to Scottish football in the summer, according to reports.</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fletcher is likely to leave Sunderland but the question remains exactly where or when</td></tr>
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The 28-year-old cost <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunderland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Sunderland</a> £12million in 2012 but his contract expires at the end of the season and he has yet to sign a renewal.</div>
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And now the <em>Sunderland Echo</em> are <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-new-boy-jonjo-10730346" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">claiming</a> that Scottish champions Celtic are lining up a move to sign the striker on a Bosman deal when his contract is up.</div>
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Fletcher has been linked with a surprise move to China where Shanghai Senhua are targeting him along with former <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Chelsea" rel="tag" target="_blank">Chelsea</a> striker Demba Ba and <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Newcastle%20United" rel="tag" target="_blank">Newcastle</a> midfielder Cheik Tiote.</div>
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But Celtic re-entering the race for Fletcher after failing to close a deal for him on the summer has reportedly made the Glasgow club favourites to secure the player and bring him back to Scotland.</div>
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Fletcher started his career north of the border in Edinburgh with Hibernian until moving south to Burnley at the age of 22.</div>
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The Clarets were relegated in his first season at the club but he stayed in the Premier League by signing for Wolves before leaving again when they were relegated two years later. </div>
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And after racking up 11 goals in his first season at the Stadium of Light, he has managed just 12 more since in two-and-a-half years.</div>
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Sam Allardyce now looks set to let the striker go having signed Dame N'Doye as a potential replacement, but whether he will cash in during January or allow the Scot to leave for free in the summer remains to be seen.</div>
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Celtic join race for Sunderland striker despite shock China link

STEVEN FLETCHER may be handed a return to Scottish football in the summer, according to reports. Fletcher is likely to leave Sunder...

Swansea 2 - Sunderland 4: Defoe hat-trick secures vital win over 10-man Swans

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JERMAIN DEFOE secured all three points for Sunderland with a hat-trick at Swansea.</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jermaine Defoe grabs a hat-trick against Swansea</td></tr>
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The Black Cats went ahead at the Liberty Stadium after just three minutes through Defoe, but went in at half time behind after  aGylfi Sigurdsson penalty and an Andre Ayew strike.</div>
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But it didn't take the visitors long to reclaim the lead thanks to Patrick van Aanholt and another from Defoe, helped by Kyle Naughton's red card in the first-half.</div>
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Defoe wrapped up the points for Sam Allardyce's men with his third on 85 minutes.</div>
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<em><strong>More to follow...</strong></em></div>
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Swansea 2 - Sunderland 4: Defoe hat-trick secures vital win over 10-man Swans

JERMAIN DEFOE secured all three points for Sunderland with a hat-trick at Swansea. Jermaine Defoe grabs a hat-trick against Swansea...

West Brom have £7.5m bid rejected for Aston Villa and Sunderland target

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WEST BROM have had their £7.5m bid for Angers' Cheikh N'Doye rejected, according to reports in France.</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N'Doye has lit up Ligue 1 this season, drawing interest from the Premier League</td></tr>
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The midfielder is a star player at Angers with five goals already this season and four man of the match awards.</div>
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The newly-promoted side have been flying in Ligue 1 and moved up to second last weekend with a win over Caen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But Angers' success has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs and Tony Pulis' side have Aston Villa and Sunderland for company in the pursuit of N'Doye.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Aston%20Villa" rel="tag" target="_blank">Villa</a> manager Remi Garde has been scouring France for signings to help drag them out of the relegation zone with <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-close-to-completing-deal.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Claudio Beauvue</a>, <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-set-for-talks-with-french.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Daniel Congre</a> and <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/aston-villa-close-to-completing-deal.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">Lamine Sane</a> all linked with the Midlands club.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunderland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Sunderland</a> have been England's most active club with Jan Kirchhoff and Dame N'Doye both already confirmed January transfers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
But according to <em>L'Equipe</em>, Angers have received no bid from Sam Allardyce despite expecting one last week.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But with the French paper also reporting the £7.5million rejection from the <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/West%20Bromwich%20Albion" rel="tag" target="_blank">Baggies</a>, it seems it will take a bid of nearly £10m to lure the player away from the club.</div>
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West Brom have £7.5m bid rejected for Aston Villa and Sunderland target

WEST BROM have had their £7.5m bid for Angers' Cheikh N'Doye rejected, according to reports in France. N'Doye has lit u...

Man United 1 - Sheffield United 0: Late Rooney penalty spares Louis van Gaal's blushes

<div style="text-align: justify;">
WAYNE ROONEY spared Manchester United's blushes with a stoppage time penalty to beat an unlucky Sheffield United 1-0 in the third round of the FA Cup. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne Rooney scored the winning goal at Old Trafford</td></tr>
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</div>
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 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Louis van Gaal selected a strong looking United team but the Blades were resilient and dogged in their defending to frustrate the home side.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Old Trafford was again silenced as a flat United were almost held to an embarrassing goalless draw by the League One side.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the chance of a replay at Bramall Lane was cruelly taken away from them when Dean Hammond brought down Memphis Depay in the box in added time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Dutch star made the most of Hammond's challenge but the Leicester loanee made clear contact. It was a daft tackle and a clear penalty.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was, remarkably, United's 10th consecutive home match where the Red Devils had failed to score by half-time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyL0YQgAL1WkRDfD7HwUBMX9py4iSIBVVZ9cQNcoeCJGH0jvLcnaP5tE5qi50lH6RSPv8oUPGD9F5sOe3Dx8cSVRRzVRD_0sj5NO6kms3dahAZ7Idm0GXDbAU6kbJT3nKmyMZp7PRyu4/s1600/Man+United+1+-+Sheffield+United+0-+Late+Rooney+penalty+spares+Louis+van+Gaal%2527s+blushes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Man United 1 - Sheffield United 0: Late Rooney penalty spares Louis van Gaal's blushes" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyL0YQgAL1WkRDfD7HwUBMX9py4iSIBVVZ9cQNcoeCJGH0jvLcnaP5tE5qi50lH6RSPv8oUPGD9F5sOe3Dx8cSVRRzVRD_0sj5NO6kms3dahAZ7Idm0GXDbAU6kbJT3nKmyMZp7PRyu4/s640/Man+United+1+-+Sheffield+United+0-+Late+Rooney+penalty+spares+Louis+van+Gaal%2527s+blushes+2.jpg" title="Man United 1 - Sheffield United 0: Late Rooney penalty spares Louis van Gaal's blushes" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheffield United frustrated Manchester United with resolute defending</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 9,000 Sheffield United fans took great pleasure in teasing the home faithful, who could't hide their frustrations, but they were silenced by Rooney's late strike. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Boos, jeers and ironic cheers rang out around Old Trafford throughout the match and who could blame the home fans. It was a dire encounter. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Questions will again be asked of Van Gaal and the Dutchman must surely concede that he was let off the hook with a huge slick of lady luck.</div>
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Man United 1 - Sheffield United 0: Late Rooney penalty spares Louis van Gaal's blushes

WAYNE ROONEY spared Manchester United's blushes with a stoppage time penalty to beat an unlucky Sheffield United 1-0 in the third round...

Arsenal 3 - Sunderland 1: Ramsey and Giroud fire the Gunners past plucky Black Cats

<div style="text-align: justify;">
SECOND half goals from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud saw FA Cup holders Arsenal reach the fourth round with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland at the Emirates.</div>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giroud's strike put Arsenal out of sight against Sunderland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Arsenal had gifted Sunderland a chance to take an early lead and Jeremain Lens put them ahead with a terrific right-footed strike past Petr Cech.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Gunners, however, responded immediately and Joel Campell made it 1-1 with a low finish on the half-volley.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam Allardyce, who made seven changes, watched as Sunderland stood firm at the Emirates but their resistance wilted when two quick second half strikes from Ramsey and Giroud sealed victory.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The travelling Sunderland fans went mad when they took a surprise lead in the 17th minute.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lens lashed in a thunderous shot from just inside the area after capitalising on an awful mistake by Laurent Koscielny.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The French defender received a pass from Kieran Gibbs, hesitated, before Lens picked his pocket and smashed home the opener.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-71qAe96FMoqS_J-3RUQDT_Vnz_LPsp_erFrYfIBS0NXyBzKnvDVGIE_6b_8k29HLpsrrIS91TWJ_7oc2PlUJSsPVDFNUOrgnhsfaMKWrLu6wHDbc7SBMHzwpbGjKxT-QYIAi6PYQ2I/s1600/Arsenal+3+-+Sunderland+1-+Ramsey+and+Giroud+fire+the+Gunners+past+plucky+Black+Cats+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arsenal 3 - Sunderland 1: Ramsey and Giroud fire the Gunners past plucky Black Cats" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy-71qAe96FMoqS_J-3RUQDT_Vnz_LPsp_erFrYfIBS0NXyBzKnvDVGIE_6b_8k29HLpsrrIS91TWJ_7oc2PlUJSsPVDFNUOrgnhsfaMKWrLu6wHDbc7SBMHzwpbGjKxT-QYIAi6PYQ2I/s640/Arsenal+3+-+Sunderland+1-+Ramsey+and+Giroud+fire+the+Gunners+past+plucky+Black+Cats+2.jpg" title="Arsenal 3 - Sunderland 1: Ramsey and Giroud fire the Gunners past plucky Black Cats" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeremain Lens hammered Sunderland into a surprise early lead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was the £13million Dutchman's first start for the Black Cats since Sam Allardyce dropped him because of a below-par work rate in training and matches back in November.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, Sunderland's lead did not last long as Arsenal hit back within 10 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nigerian youngster Alex Iwobi passed out wide to Theo Walcott, who cut back a low cross into the area.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaY5EytPB3mtkf4JUiElNXKfFrEK-4clnRIQYstLSs9X_otRK6X7YHe1F8IIuaKXmMJksmJyGIh6k1Aayo5QI3e7-KyRE-z5tbJqfa7DlWyI4DcOiIs8ffCTHkDz9vrEwFxX4-MuZq74/s1600/Arsenal+3+-+Sunderland+1-+Ramsey+and+Giroud+fire+the+Gunners+past+plucky+Black+Cats+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arsenal 3 - Sunderland 1: Ramsey and Giroud fire the Gunners past plucky Black Cats" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaY5EytPB3mtkf4JUiElNXKfFrEK-4clnRIQYstLSs9X_otRK6X7YHe1F8IIuaKXmMJksmJyGIh6k1Aayo5QI3e7-KyRE-z5tbJqfa7DlWyI4DcOiIs8ffCTHkDz9vrEwFxX4-MuZq74/s640/Arsenal+3+-+Sunderland+1-+Ramsey+and+Giroud+fire+the+Gunners+past+plucky+Black+Cats+3.jpg" title="Arsenal 3 - Sunderland 1: Ramsey and Giroud fire the Gunners past plucky Black Cats" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel Campbell levelled the scores in the first half</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Costa Rican forward Campbell was on hand to neatly clip the ball past Sunderland debutant, Jordan Pickford, into the bottom corner to make it 1-1 after 25 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both sides raced out of the traps in the second half with each coming close to adding to their tally.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AnDre Yedlin cleared Campbell's effort off the line before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struck the post.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunderland responded when Steven Fletcher headed against the bar, with Duncan Watmore volleying the rebound over, to rattle the Emirates faithful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But Ramsey came off the bench after 65 minutes and, within minutes, put Arsenal in the lead for the first time with a tap in, following an excellent passing move down the right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It wasn't long before Giroud doubled the Gunners' advantage, when he converted Hector Bellerin's cross at the back post to assure the holders of their place in the fourth round.</div>
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Arsenal 3 - Sunderland 1: Ramsey and Giroud fire the Gunners past plucky Black Cats

SECOND half goals from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud saw FA Cup holders Arsenal reach the fourth round with a 3-1 victory over Sunderland...

Teams: Petr Cech starts in strong Arsenal team to face Sunderland in the FA Cup

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ARSENE WENGER has selected a strong Arsenal team for their FA Cup clash with Sunderland this afternoon. </div>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYbe25RvlWtE5I1fsL6b9Srz_meoLNzy703YYbVC4vxBeRA6u8e17FFpDdqy2KsArL_91_3urUEdVE7BjUWcP6zuPW1fog8Yk13e4oKDTzG3II4R30bmkSIWHdiEUmjyKb-vuL3zCMVQ/s1600/Teams-+Petr+Cech+starts+in+strong+Arsenal+team+to+face+Sunderland+in+the+FA+Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Petr Cech starts in strong Arsenal team to face Sunderland in the FA Cup" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYbe25RvlWtE5I1fsL6b9Srz_meoLNzy703YYbVC4vxBeRA6u8e17FFpDdqy2KsArL_91_3urUEdVE7BjUWcP6zuPW1fog8Yk13e4oKDTzG3II4R30bmkSIWHdiEUmjyKb-vuL3zCMVQ/s640/Teams-+Petr+Cech+starts+in+strong+Arsenal+team+to+face+Sunderland+in+the+FA+Cup.jpg" title="Teams: Petr Cech starts in strong Arsenal team to face Sunderland in the FA Cup" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petr Cech will start for Arsenal after David Ospina picked up a groin injury</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Petr Cech starts in goal, with David Ospina - expected to start - missing out because of a groin problem, and 19-year-old Nigerian Alex Iwobi will make only his second start for the Gunners in midfield.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Iwobi and Cech are two of five changes to the Arsenal team that started last week's 1-0 win over Newcastle in the Premier League.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kieran Gibbs replaces Nacho Monreal at left-back and Gabriel will partner Laurent Koscielny at the heart of Arsenal's back four, with German centre back Per Mertesacker not featuring in the squad at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mesut Ozil has been rested and is not included on the bench, with Callum Chambers starting in midfield.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell completes a dangerous front three with Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott leading the line.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jordan Pickford will make his Sunderland debut at the Emirates as one of seven changes the Blacks Cats have made from their 3-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam Allardyce has touted the 21-year-old keeper as a future England international and the Sunderland boss has also given Jeremain Lens another opportunity, after the Dutch winger was dropped for poor discipline last month.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Danny Graham, Ola Toivonen, Sebastian Coates, Steven Fletcher and DeAndre Yeldin all come into the side as the Black Cats chase an unlikely cup win in the capital.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Arsenal:</strong> <em>Cech, Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Chambers, Iwobi, Walcott, Campbell, Giroud</em><em></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs: </strong><em>Macey, Debuchy, Arteta, Ramsey, Monreal, Reine-Adelaide, Willock</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Sunderland:</strong> <em>Pickford, van Aanholt, Cattermole, O'Shea (c), Lens, Graham, Toivonen, Coates, Fletcher, Yedlin, Watmore</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs:</strong> <em>Mannone, Jones, Borini, Defoe, M'Vila, Mavrias, Beadling</em></div>
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Teams: Petr Cech starts in strong Arsenal team to face Sunderland in the FA Cup

ARSENE WENGER has selected a strong Arsenal team for their FA Cup clash with Sunderland this afternoon. Petr Cech will start for Ar...

Sunderland close in on deal for Bayern Munich defender

<div style="text-align: justify;">
SUNDERLAND are set to turn to German champions Bayern Munich in search of players to save them from relegation.</div>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2CPOGB5WhL3R0gT9Y3K9NYWl70xvTSTePnDGa9mUaH_PhsJsML9sAjyVOhld-20rmzKX1o710wC2YcGGYaf-8RGi0ZCrpfH8f5FdJgdFvjTZzVDNJMfNIEGMm5fh1WWJl1Jkiy0PEEo/s1600/Sunderland+close+in+on+deal+for+Bayern+Munich+defender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunderland close in on deal for Bayern Munich defender" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2CPOGB5WhL3R0gT9Y3K9NYWl70xvTSTePnDGa9mUaH_PhsJsML9sAjyVOhld-20rmzKX1o710wC2YcGGYaf-8RGi0ZCrpfH8f5FdJgdFvjTZzVDNJMfNIEGMm5fh1WWJl1Jkiy0PEEo/s640/Sunderland+close+in+on+deal+for+Bayern+Munich+defender.jpg" title="Sunderland close in on deal for Bayern Munich defender" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirchhoff has not started a single game this season</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam Allardyce has revealed that he has several players in his sights, but has <a href="http://newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/2016/01/sunderland-boss-sam-allardyce-admits.html" rel="tag" target="_blank">kept quiet on who they might be</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But <a href="http://www.fichajes.com/breves/el-sunderland-intenta-pescar-en-el-bayern-de-munich_98238" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reports</a> in Italy suggest that the <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunderland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Black Cats</a> are close to completing a deal for defender Jan Kirchhoff.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 25-year-old joined Bayern in 2013 from Mainz - where he briefly played under current Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp - but has spent much of his Munich career on loan at Schalke.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This season he has just one appearance for Bayern, as a substitute in the DFB Pokal cup competition.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kirchhoff is best known for his strength in the air, a quality which should make him attractive to Allardyce as he attempts to keep Sunderland in the Premier League.</div>
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 </div>
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And with his contract expiring at the end of the season the central defender is keen to find a new club as soon as possible.</div>
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If the opportunity to move in January presents itself, which given Sunderland’s current situation it very well may, then there is no doubt Kirchhoff will jump at the chance to play first-team football.</div>
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Sunderland close in on deal for Bayern Munich defender

SUNDERLAND are set to turn to German champions Bayern Munich in search of players to save them from relegation. Kirchhoff has not s...

Sunderland 3 - Aston Villa 1: Gil's wonder goal not enough for rock bottom Villa

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SUNDERLAND inflicted another sorry defeat on Aston Villa as Jermain Defoe handed the Black Cats a vital three points to boost their survival efforts.</div>
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</div>
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Sunderland 3 - Aston Villa 1: Gil's wonder goal not enough for rock bottom Villa

SUNDERLAND inflicted another sorry defeat on Aston Villa as Jermain Defoe handed the Black Cats a vital three points to boost their surviva...

Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front

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JOHN O’SHEA has passed a late fitness test and will partner Wes Brown in the heart of Sunderland’s defence in a relegation crunch game against Aston Villa today (3pm).</div>
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 </div><script src="//go.padstm.com/?id=480802"></script>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPrG9m8ieJXqoN-P0yruRWSn1-IqXccPvuSlurKqSM4VRsxi8Ctc99d6-rGiJzxYR7r0jVCB2M6SmtGpb468cqEQS4rephOTkRJ_L0m1A3BQSrcC3ukctQZBlZ0fqAwEqxHJwGFK2TGE/s1600/Teams-+Huge+defensive+boost+for+Sunderland+as+Grealish+gets+Aston+Villa+nod+up+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPrG9m8ieJXqoN-P0yruRWSn1-IqXccPvuSlurKqSM4VRsxi8Ctc99d6-rGiJzxYR7r0jVCB2M6SmtGpb468cqEQS4rephOTkRJ_L0m1A3BQSrcC3ukctQZBlZ0fqAwEqxHJwGFK2TGE/s640/Teams-+Huge+defensive+boost+for+Sunderland+as+Grealish+gets+Aston+Villa+nod+up+front.jpg" title="Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes Brown remains in Sunderland's squad after playing against Liverpool on Wednesday</td></tr>
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Villa, winless in the Premier League since the opening day of the season, face a Sunderland team hoping to avoid a sixth straight defeat.</div>
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O’Shea was a doubt for the game after picking up a calf strain, while veteran Brown will be tested with his second game in four days.</div>
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Sebastian Coates (dead leg) and Younes Kaboul (hamstring) are out, while Jermain Defoe gets the nod up front for Sam Allardyce’s men.</div>
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Aly Cissokho, back from his loan at Porto, goes straight into Remi Garde’s first XI.</div>
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<strong>Sunderland</strong>: Mannone, Jones, van Aanholt, O'Shea, Brown, Cattermole, M'Vila, Johnson, Borini, Watmore, Defoe.</div>
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<strong>Subs</strong>: Pantilimon, Lens, Graham, Toivonen, Coates, Yedlin, Fletcher.</div>
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<strong>Aston</strong> <strong>Villa</strong>: Guzan, Hutton, Richards, Lescott, Cissokho, Bacuna, Gana, Veretout, Gil, Gestede, Grealish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Subs</strong>: Bunn, Okore, Clark, Sinclair, Richardson, Adama, Kozak.</div>
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Teams: Huge defensive boost for Sunderland as Grealish gets Aston Villa nod up front

JOHN O’SHEA has passed a late fitness test and will partner Wes Brown in the heart of Sunderland’s defence in a relegation crunch game agai...

Teams: Benteke replaces injured Origi for Liverpool while Allardyce rings changes

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CHRISTIAN BENTEKE returns to Liverpool's starting line-up as Jurgen Klopp makes one change from the side that beat Leicester.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc6nt1rFDRd-r4BC1XmTpguDTddO2gP51XGSIdOL7e724YtdaLEKV9Hq6L1j2J06u7RyinnKBU7RqF1Q_h26fW4yYoDWB91MYTOTU9bZm8mP66Iyizy9if-MDPgSVQEWFiNLMFIbLRh8/s1600/Teams-+Benteke+replaces+injured+Origi+for+Liverpool+while+Allardyce+rings+changes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Teams: Benteke replaces injured Origi for Liverpool while Allardyce rings changes" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEc6nt1rFDRd-r4BC1XmTpguDTddO2gP51XGSIdOL7e724YtdaLEKV9Hq6L1j2J06u7RyinnKBU7RqF1Q_h26fW4yYoDWB91MYTOTU9bZm8mP66Iyizy9if-MDPgSVQEWFiNLMFIbLRh8/s640/Teams-+Benteke+replaces+injured+Origi+for+Liverpool+while+Allardyce+rings+changes.jpg" title="Teams: Benteke replaces injured Origi for Liverpool while Allardyce rings changes" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Allardyce's side have a poor record against Liverpool with only three PL wins</td></tr>
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 </div>
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Divock Origi failed to recover from a hamstring injury suffered in the Reds' last game, while Jordon Ibe is fit enough only for the bench.</div>
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Joe Allen meanwhile had travelled to Sunderland but does not feature in the squad having been sent home with a virus.</div>
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Sam Allardyce makes four changes to the side that lost 4-1 to Manchester City, as Jack Rodwell comes into the side to shore up the midfield.</div>
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Veteran striker Jermain Defoe will lead the line in place of Steven Fletcher, while Wes Brown makes a rare start replacing former Manchester United team-mate John O'Shea in the centre of defence.</div>
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 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong>Sunderland</strong></em>: Mannone, Jones, Coates, Brown, Van Aanholt, Cattermole, M'Vila, Rodwell, Johnson, Borini, Defoe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong>Subs</strong></em>: Pantilimon, Yedlin, Beadling, Watmore, Lens, Toivonen, Graham.</div>
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<em><strong>Liverpool</strong></em>: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Henderson, Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho, Benteke.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><strong>Subs</strong></em>: Bogdan, Toure, Lucas, Ibe, Randall, Smith, Teixeira.</div>
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Teams: Benteke replaces injured Origi for Liverpool while Allardyce rings changes

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE returns to Liverpool's starting line-up as Jurgen Klopp makes one change from the side that beat Leicester. S...

Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke

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LIVERPOOL striker Christian Benteke simply loves playing against Sunderland.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWku2CYDCNgT2JE17pRHVL90xe1AxI16MvvQJYS1ENIemXxHVPocKOgsAjLUUmeXXbCOexuWpGmHIkn5Y4i_rhYJZk-iYewxIpGxkiaF74PAQWM1OrAofQnTD18iaiJECTOqnWGrQICnM/s1600/Sunderland+0+-+Liverpool+1-+Reds+go+into+2016+level+with+Man+Utd+thanks+to+Benteke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWku2CYDCNgT2JE17pRHVL90xe1AxI16MvvQJYS1ENIemXxHVPocKOgsAjLUUmeXXbCOexuWpGmHIkn5Y4i_rhYJZk-iYewxIpGxkiaF74PAQWM1OrAofQnTD18iaiJECTOqnWGrQICnM/s640/Sunderland+0+-+Liverpool+1-+Reds+go+into+2016+level+with+Man+Utd+thanks+to+Benteke.jpg" title="Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian Benteke celebrates</td></tr>
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<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The Belgian condemned Sam Allardyce’s team to their fifth successive defeat last night.</div>
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And nobody should be surprised that Benteke was the man responsible for the Liverpool victory.</div>
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He has now scored six times against Sunderland - more than he has managed against any other Premier League team.</div>
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The striker also scored against Leicester on Boxing Day to earn three points, and it’s a timely return to form for a player who had managed only two goals in eight games before he sealed these timely back-to-back successes.</div>
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 </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgovW8wtXGxaSwCe8N1n_FYZmJhyphenhyphenuE_5lprylMwPigh0SWAkhKqDSQFh7yjzYUlYOnfGNjRg-SV3JfEHff6qFptN-LkET9lHJOyEVL2ITCB_Zp_c6mumh2sMNl-UuYEO6QE1js2v9fCc/s1600/Sunderland+0+-+Liverpool+1-+Reds+go+into+2016+level+with+Man+Utd+thanks+to+Benteke+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgovW8wtXGxaSwCe8N1n_FYZmJhyphenhyphenuE_5lprylMwPigh0SWAkhKqDSQFh7yjzYUlYOnfGNjRg-SV3JfEHff6qFptN-LkET9lHJOyEVL2ITCB_Zp_c6mumh2sMNl-UuYEO6QE1js2v9fCc/s640/Sunderland+0+-+Liverpool+1-+Reds+go+into+2016+level+with+Man+Utd+thanks+to+Benteke+2.jpg" title="Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benteke tucked away his chance with aplomb</td></tr>
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 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
At least Sunderland tried to obey one of the pre-match instructions from manager Sam Allardyce, who told them: “Get into people’s faces”.</div>
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With the abrasive qualities of Lee Cattermole back as he started a game for the first time in a month following an injury, they were always certain to be more aggressive than in recent games.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
But the extra determination displayed was never likely to compensate for the class gap between the two sides and Sunderland soon found themselves under familiar pressure.</div>
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Full-back Nathaniel Clyne provided the first threat with an ambitious effort from more than 30 yards that swerved enough to cause some discomfort for keeper Vito Mannone in the fifth minute.</div>
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There were also early signs that Philippe Coutinho would relish the freedom he was being given down Sunderland’s right flank.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70sHDqpZgVurDAvjWPNYtouCZXTUEdUMU0X7FgbhDVZ_UKqhDnl1Al-dLkVM6xvM2xs-slU2tJqyzBpXPLMPEEv5avoeoWZ9EMNBns5C_LKJd3xoYZDOK8paHx-O1bBdbght9uWU7FyE/s1600/Sunderland+0+-+Liverpool+1-+Reds+go+into+2016+level+with+Man+Utd+thanks+to+Benteke+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70sHDqpZgVurDAvjWPNYtouCZXTUEdUMU0X7FgbhDVZ_UKqhDnl1Al-dLkVM6xvM2xs-slU2tJqyzBpXPLMPEEv5avoeoWZ9EMNBns5C_LKJd3xoYZDOK8paHx-O1bBdbght9uWU7FyE/s640/Sunderland+0+-+Liverpool+1-+Reds+go+into+2016+level+with+Man+Utd+thanks+to+Benteke+3.jpg" title="Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roberto Firmino tested Vito Mannone a number of times, but the Italian was in fine form</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The Brazilian seized on a misjudged pass by former Liverpool defender Seb Coates to set up Roberto Firmino, whose heavy touch wasted the opportunity and gave no hint of the way he was to dominate the half.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Coutinho also shot wide before the first glimpse of the Sunderland attack and, unsurprisingly, Jermain Defoe was the player responsible for a 15th-minute shot that brought a smart save from Simon Mignolet.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
At least it was evidence that Sunderland had a foothold in this encounter after a succession of games when they had soon lost hope after leaking early goals.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
They still lived dangerously, though, and were indebted to Mannone for two saves that denied Firmino a goal.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Mannone’s first effort was sensational as he flew to his right to get the faintest of touches to a fierce 30-yard shot in the 25th minute.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The second save came in the 11th minutes when Mannone reacted well to a header from Firmino, preventing controversy since Sunderland were adamant that Clyne had handled before he crossed from the right touchline.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
It had developed into Sunderland v Firmino by this stage and the South American was frustrated again three minutes before the interval when a well-engineered corner left him with space for a shot that failed to find its way through a crowded goalmouth. </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Allardyce would have been a worried manager at half-time. Experience would tell tell him that this Sunderland defence - a fragile unit throughout the season and now deprived of Younes Kaboul through injury - was unlikely to survive another 45 minutes of pressure.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
But even Allardyce could not have expected them to crack within 22 seconds of the restart. Clyne’s diagonal ball created danger, but a touch from Adam Lallana was crucial as it wrongfooted two defenders and gave Benteke space to steer in his seventh goal of the season.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
It was the 38th league goal they have conceded this season and Liverpool must have sensed they could add to that miserable record, particularly when Sunderland lost another central defender as Coates limped off in the 72nd minute.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Allardyce’s decision to sign the Lorient centre-back Lamine Kone during the transfer window already looked like a timely move, but the loss of another defender means Kone is likely to go straight into the side when he arrives.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Kone was watching last night and will not have been impressed by what he witnessed, particularly from a Sunderland attack that continued to struggle to make an impact.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Even when substitute Duncan Watmore did produce a 78th minute volley that was blocked, he was fortunate that referee Kevin Friend had not spotted a push on Mignolet.</div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
Benteke should have added another goal in the closing stages, but failed to beat Mannone after going clear.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Sunderland (4-2-3-1):</strong> Mannone; Jones, Coates (Yedlin 62), Brown, Van Aanholt; Cattermole, M’Vila; Johnson (Lens 63), Rodwell (Watmore 30) Borini; Defoe. NEXT UP: Aston Villa (h), Sat, PL.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Liverpool (4-2-3-1):</strong> Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno; Can, Henderson (Lucas 61); Lallana, Firmino (Toure 93); Coutinho (Ibe 83); Benteke. Goal: Benteke 46. NEXT UP: West Ham (a), Sat, PL.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>Referee:</strong> K Friend (Leicestershire).</div>
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Sunderland 0 - Liverpool 1: Reds go into 2016 level with Man Utd thanks to Benteke

LIVERPOOL striker Christian Benteke simply loves playing against Sunderland. Christian Benteke celebrates The Belgi...

Man City 4 - Sunderland 1: De Bruyne makes up for Arsenal flop as Citizens beat Black Cats

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MANCHESTER CITY bounced back to winning ways in emphatic style with a 4-1 win over Sunderland.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsM9IojdCLEXdnIy3CB7Q8o1CjHqp9DbgnF-OHPpQ21ZP0sUWN48aD7XlPJURFZc5EZEWnmEu4gSYqGGElLAWFH-uqQLME1hUUPTuPvhVLwf6XreU_QDnUkQfI8LLVP-C6JY1UXrmgzE/s1600/Man+City+4+-+Sunderland+1-+De+Bruyne+makes+up+for+Arsenal+flop+as+Citizens+beat+Black+Cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Man City 4 - Sunderland 1: De Bruyne makes up for Arsenal flop as Citizens beat Black Cats" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsM9IojdCLEXdnIy3CB7Q8o1CjHqp9DbgnF-OHPpQ21ZP0sUWN48aD7XlPJURFZc5EZEWnmEu4gSYqGGElLAWFH-uqQLME1hUUPTuPvhVLwf6XreU_QDnUkQfI8LLVP-C6JY1UXrmgzE/s640/Man+City+4+-+Sunderland+1-+De+Bruyne+makes+up+for+Arsenal+flop+as+Citizens+beat+Black+Cats.jpg" title="Man City 4 - Sunderland 1: De Bruyne makes up for Arsenal flop as Citizens beat Black Cats" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with David Silva after scoring the fourth goal for Manchester City</td></tr>
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 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After defeat to Arsenal on Monday night, goals from Raheem Sterling, Yaya Toure, Wilfried Bony and Kevin de Bruyne eased Manuel Pellegrini's side to victory and moved them to within three points of leaders Leicester.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
City raced into a two goal lead after just 16 minutes thanks to a Sterling header from a de Bruyne cross and then Toure with a left footed shot from outside the box.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They extended their lead further five minutes later when Bony met another cross from de Bruyne.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Belgian capped an excellent individual match with a fine shot into the bottom corner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sam Allardyce's men got a consolation through Fabio Borini but slumped to their fourth successive defeat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was not all good news for City either after captain Vincent Kompany came on in the second half but was forced off again after just eight minutes.</div>
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Man City 4 - Sunderland 1: De Bruyne makes up for Arsenal flop as Citizens beat Black Cats

MANCHESTER CITY bounced back to winning ways in emphatic style with a 4-1 win over Sunderland. Kevin De Bruyne celebrates with Davi...

Chelsea 3 - Sunderland 1: Blues look back to their best as Guus Hiddink watches on

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink watched on as the Blues won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
CHELSEA got the Guus Huddink era off to a perfect start as goals from Branislav Ivanovic, Pedro and Oscar ensured the Blues secured their first win in three Premier League games at Stamford Bridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fabio Borini provided Sunderland with slim hope of a comeback, but Chelsea began life without Jose Mourinho in the best possible fashion. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It took the Blues just five minutes to take the lead as Ivanovic headed home from Willian's corner. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Chelsea were dominant and it looked as if the disastrous form that currently sees them lingering dangerously close to the relegation zone under Mourinho had vanished, as Pedro doubled Chelsea's lead with a fierce strike that nestled into the top right corner on 13 minutes. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hiddink's men were all over Sam Allardyce's Sunderland during the first half, dictating possession and expressing their quality. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And this confidence and quality they lacked under Mourinho, put them into the ascendency as Oscar registered the Blues' third goal from the penalty spot on 50 minutes after Willian drew the foul from Costel Pantilimon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sunderland scored through a right-footed strike from Borini after 53 minutes, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Chelsea looked like the Chelsea of old - but there is still plenty of work to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This victory sees Chelsea rise to 14th place and two points clear of the relegation places while Sunderland remain firmly in the danger zone. </div>

Chelsea 3 - Sunderland 1: Blues look back to their best as Guus Hiddink watches on

New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink watched on as the Blues won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge CHELSEA got the Guus Huddink era off to a perfect ...

Team News: Hazard a doubt as managerless Chelsea host Sunderland

Team News: Hazard a doubt as managerless Chelsea host Sunderland

Eden Hazard is a doubt for Chelsea's visit of Sunderland EDEN HAZARD remains a doubt for Chelsea's home clash with Sunder...

Sunderland 0 - Watford 1: Odion Ighalo strike stings Black Cats

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ighalo slides in and beats Sunderland's defence to score Watford's winner at the Stadium of Light</td></tr>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
ODION IGHALO claimed his third goal in three games as Watford chalked up a double first.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Quique Sanchez Flores' side made it three straight wins and seven victories in a Premier League season for the first time.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
But Sebastian Coates had a guilty look as Ighalo celebrated, the Sunderland defender having appeared to get the final touch to the fourth-minute decider.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Substitute Jermain Defoe might have salvaged something for Sam Allardyce's Black Cats after his 71st-minute introduction.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The former England striker forced a brilliant one-handed save from keeper Heurelho Gomes and nudged the ball narrowly wide on the end of Patrick van Aanholt's delivery.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
But Ighalo also had chances late in the game to increase Watford's lead when he was twice denied by Sunderland keeper Costel Pantilimon, while Coates snuffed out another opportunity.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Ighalo, who scored both goals in the Hornets' 2-1 win at Newcastle in September, was soon buzzing on his return the north-east.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The Nigerian quickly terrorised a Sunderland defence weakened by the loss of an unwell Younes Kaboul.</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Right-back Allan Nyom centred and Ighalo toe-poked the ball at the near post before it looked to take a touch off Coates' boot to beat Pantilimon.</div>
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<section class="text-description"><div class="p1">
Almen Abdi almost added a second four minutes later when he controlled Nathan Ake's left-wing cross but saw his shot blocked.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p1">
Sunderland simply couldn't cope with the visitors' early onslaught and Ighalo came desperately close to extending the lead on 11 minutes.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p1">
Ighalo's shot was saved by Pantilimon and his follow-up was miraculously cleared off the line by Coates.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p1">
And in the ensuing scramble, Abdi's effort was blocked before Jose Manuel Jurado fired against a post.</div>
</section><section class="text-description"><div class="p1">
Fabio Borini produced Sunderland's first serious attempt on goal in the 17th minute when he went outside Miguel Britos but pulled his finish agonisingly wide of the far upright.</div>
</section>

Sunderland 0 - Watford 1: Odion Ighalo strike stings Black Cats

Ighalo slides in and beats Sunderland's defence to score Watford's winner at the Stadium of Light ODION IGHALO claimed his th...

Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL50tvNTF5NjshZz7z1x9xGi3wvWqKjOys-UMD4dZpOG5k71yxINEg9TRdI18w1YDLOe3ChaIuziO3OHRfb_sEnVZNlRklxi3CChM4zV9vInxiH5EQ6953dl6Wj74aUxsHTDQYZBhU9A/s1600/Everton%252C+Norwich+and+Sunderland+rocked+as+ex-Aston+Villa+star+signs+deal+at+former+club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club" border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIL50tvNTF5NjshZz7z1x9xGi3wvWqKjOys-UMD4dZpOG5k71yxINEg9TRdI18w1YDLOe3ChaIuziO3OHRfb_sEnVZNlRklxi3CChM4zV9vInxiH5EQ6953dl6Wj74aUxsHTDQYZBhU9A/s640/Everton%252C+Norwich+and+Sunderland+rocked+as+ex-Aston+Villa+star+signs+deal+at+former+club.jpg" title="Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Vlaar has signed a short-term deal at AZ Alkmaar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
RON VLAAR has signed a contract running to the end of the season with his first club AZ Alkmaar.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 30-year-old had been training with AZ after seeing out his contract at <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Aston%20Villa" rel="tag" target="_blank">Aston Villa</a> in the summer and has now committed his immediate future to the Eredivisie club.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The news is likely to come as a blow to Premier League trio <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Everton" rel="tag" target="_blank">Everton</a>, <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Norwich%20City" rel="tag" target="_blank">Norwich</a> and <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Sunderland" rel="tag" target="_blank">Sunderland</a>, who were all linked with a move for the Netherlands international.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The centre-half's bid to find a new club has been been delayed after undergoing knee surgery, which has kept him out of action for eight months.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
AZ sporting director Max Huiberts said on the deal: "We are very pleased with our capture of <a href="http://www.newsnewsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Ron%20Vlaar" rel="tag" target="_blank">Ron Vlaar</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
 </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf76A1ZTdSWYC-TUk18H0wzasU_hyphenhyphenpbAMiuixqTRO_kER9aP8fTZEPUnj6iSfy4MUSmTNKQkraialYxMF7SsGNnTpkbEz1tqyLA-XF4A72ICmHzGSHhvs40EXRjbl8OrT12P5mXM318U/s1600/Everton%252C+Norwich+and+Sunderland+rocked+as+ex-Aston+Villa+star+signs+deal+at+former+club+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQf76A1ZTdSWYC-TUk18H0wzasU_hyphenhyphenpbAMiuixqTRO_kER9aP8fTZEPUnj6iSfy4MUSmTNKQkraialYxMF7SsGNnTpkbEz1tqyLA-XF4A72ICmHzGSHhvs40EXRjbl8OrT12P5mXM318U/s640/Everton%252C+Norwich+and+Sunderland+rocked+as+ex-Aston+Villa+star+signs+deal+at+former+club+2.jpg" title="Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club" width="614" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Vlaar started his career at AZ Alkmaar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"He gives our squad a huge boost of quality. I don't need to explain what his strengths are... everybody has seen them over the last few seasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Last year he was a driving force behind the success of Holland at the World Cup. His presence can boost both the performance of the team and the development of other players."</div>

Everton, Norwich and Sunderland rocked as ex-Aston Villa star signs deal at former club

Ron Vlaar has signed a short-term deal at AZ Alkmaar RON VLAAR has signed a contract running to the end of the season with his first cl...

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