The Big KICK OFF 2015-16

AUGUST 6 - 12, 2015 THE VOICE | 33

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The Voice in association with Sky Sports brings you…

THE BIG

KICK O FF

INSIDE

2015-16

• Premier League Journal on the weekend’s opening fixtures • Your definitive season preview • Six young players to watch • Premier League chief’s message of hope

34| THE VOICE AUGUST 6 - 12, 2015

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TUNE INTO THE ULTIMATE SOAP OPERA The Voice’s sports editor, Rodney Hinds, says that season 2015-16 is set to be a thriller

F

GOOD PRE-SEASON: Arsenal boss Wenger

ORGET EASTENDERS and Coronation Street, the greatest soap opera of them all kicks off this weekend. After a glorious summer of sport, the Premier League is back and it promises to be yet another top-flight rollercoaster.

Champions Chelsea quite rightly start the campaign as favourites.

They have a skillful and experienced set of players and one of the best coaches the world leading them in the shape of Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese, while not losing any sleep, will have been given something to think about having lost the Community Shield to Arsenal at Wembley last Sunday.

Arsene Wenger’s FA

Cup winners have enjoyed a good pre-season which can only have them in good stead as the serious business gets under way.

The title fight will be a straight fight between London and Manchester, with both City and United having made some astute purchases in the summer.

SURPRISE The great thing about the Premier League is that you can guarantee that during the course of the season, there’s a surprise or two around the corner. On any given day, a David and Goliath scenario will arise.

The relegation issue, if last term is anything to go by, will be just as interesting as the battle for supremacy.

My money is on all three promoted sides to go

back down immediately.

Only Norwich, with recent Premier League experience, may have the savvy to survive.

INJURIES The trio may be buzzing at the start of the season when the weather and pitches are good, however, injuries and suspensions will eventually kick in to scupper their ambitions.

A big thanks goes to Sky Sports for sponsoring our preview pages. The broadcaster has been pivotal to top flight football for over 20 decades, and are still investing in the beautiful game.

The Voice of Sport will once again be bringing you the very best of the action.

Enjoy the season!

CHIRPY CANARIES HAVE A BATTLE ON THEIR HANDS: Norwich City’s Cameron Jerome (left), Martin Olsson and Nathan Redmond (centre)

THE VOICE OF SPORT PREDICTS… Rodney Hinds, sports editor Premier League: Manchester City Relegation from Premier League: Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford FA Cup: Manchester United Capital One Cup: Arsenal Champions League: Barcelona Joel Campbell, chief football writer Premier League: Chelsea Relegation from Premier League:

Bournemouth, Leicester, Watford FA Cup: Manchester City Capital One Cup: Everton Champions League: Bayern Munich John Portch, football writer Premier League: Chelsea Relegation from Premier League: Leicester, Norwich and Watford FA Cup: Manchester United Capital One Cup: Chelsea Champions League: Bayern Munich

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1 - AMBITIOUS: Mings

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The Voice of Sport casts an eye towards the future, looking at half a dozen young stars who could light up the Barclays Premier League during the 2015-16 campaign

By Terrelle Iziren

He has never played in the Premier League but Tyrone Mings certainly performs like a player destined for the highest level. Released by Southampton at 16 for being too short, Mings has certainly grown in stature since. The 6ft 3in defender spent three years in the Championship with Ipswich Town and in May 2015 helped his side to a play-off semi-final. Mings, 22, joins a growing band of players – which includes Ian Wright, Dwight Gayle and Chris Smalling – who have made the meteoric rise from non-league to the Premier League. Described by Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe as “ambitious”, there’s no reason why the flying full-back can’t take the top-flight by storm on Bournemouth’s shores.

2 - Rolando Aarons (Newcastle United)

3 - LOAN STAR: Young gun Akpom

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OF THE BEST

1 - Tyrone Mings (AFC Bournemouth)

2 - INJURIES: Toon star Aarons

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After a shocking second half of last season for Newcastle United, looking to youth may be the sensible option especially when club owner Mike Ashley appears reluctant to spend any money. Jamaica-born Aarons, 19, is no stranger to the first-team. While he has many years ahead of him, injuries have stalled his progress at times. In October 2014 he made his League Cup debut, scoring in a memorable 2-0 fourth-round victory against Manchester City. If the protege can remain injury free this season, he can surely add more creativity to Newcastle’s attack.

only get better for Ibe. Making his professional debut at 15 for Wycombe Wanderers in 2011, just like Sterling, Ibe has the versatility to play on either flank and will undoubtedly be keen to hit the ground running and have a successful Premier League campaign with Liverpool after a disappointing European U-21 Championships with England.

6 - Luke Moore (Leicester City) After an unsuccessful spell with Championship side Brentford, who narrowly missed out on a play-off final and subsequent Premier League promotion, central defender Luke Moore can be forgiven for feeling disappointed at a lack of first team opportunities. He appeared only three times for Brentford before his loan period was cut short. Despite that setback, the talented 22 year-old can take comfort from the fact that new coach Claudio Ranieri has taken up the reins at the King Power Stadium. Should the Italian boss be looking for options to his senior centre halves, he can always turn to Moore.

Wembley Stadium connected by EE

3 - Chuba Akpom (Arsenal)

4 - DEBUT DAY: Blues brother Loftus-Cheek

Arsenal do have an abundance of attacking talent including Alex Oxlade-Chaimberlain, Theo Walcott and Welbeck but Chuba Akpom is a gifted individual and graduate from Arsenal’s famed academy who cannot be ignored. At 19, Akpom is no stranger to competitive football having been loaned out three times, most notably to Nottingham Forest in the Championship in March where he featured seven times. However, the striker will have to add goals to his game. At the time of writing, the young talent was concluding as a season-long loan move to Steve Bruce’s Championship outfit, Hull City.

4 - Reuben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea)

5 - EYE CATCHING: Ibe is set to be an Anfield star

A central midfielder blessed with an accurate passing range, the highly-rated Loftus-Cheek made his mark in the Chelsea team during last season’s climax. Making his league debut against Liverpool after the Stamford Bridge outfit had just secured the Premier League crown, Loftus-Cheek, 19, performed as though he’d been playing top-flight football for many seasons. It’s true that he was part of an England U21 squad who underperformed during the European Championships this summer but that doesn’t stop Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho singing his praises. With Chelsea’s midfield requiring a bit more depth and the club looking to boost their quota of homegrown players, expect to see a lot more of Loftus-Cheek.

5 - Jordon Ibe (Liverpool) 6 - SETBACK: Moore

The skilful winger has already made his mark in Liverpool’s first-team with some eye-catching performances and with the departure of Raheem Sterling, things can

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CHELSEA STILL THE TEAM TO BEAT Champions need to be wary of Arsenal’s capital gains

“Chelsea are there

MASTER MOURINHO: His Chelsea team have few weaknesses The Voice of Sport’s John Portch looks at the runners and riders in what will be another Premier League classic

C

HELSEA ARE there to be shot at but can anyone usurp the Premier League champions? Jose Mourinho’s charges remain the side with the fewest weaknesses and have a strength running through their squad, from Thibaut Courtois to the reigning Player of the Year Eden Hazard, that exceeds their domestic rivals. Nemanja Matic may need greater midfield support in Champions League matches and Diego Costa’s fitness problems are a concern but the Blues are clear Premier League favourites.

A confident Arsenal lead the challenge with their most stable squad in years. The Gunners must build on last weekend’s defeat of Chelsea in the Community Shield. Arsene Wenger’s side were 11 points behind the eventual champions after six matches last time and never caught up.

Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck must answer concerns about their effectiveness against the best teams, while questions remain about their midfield security

to be shot at but can anyone usurp the Premier League champions? ”

again been subjected to squad raids but the Saints’ adroit infrastructure all but guarantees a solid campaign. The biggest challenge for Ronald Koeman could stem from Europa League participation.

Everton endured a dismal season last time and must improve, with Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley expected to renew confidence in Roberto Martinez’s regime and push the Toffees into Europe. The return of Gerard Deulofeu is welcomed at Goodison Park.

Swansea and Stoke epitomise the comfortable mid-table security that those squabbling below them aspire to, not that either will settle for such status in August.

should Francis Coquelin, one of last season’s revelations, be unavailable.

This appears to be Manuel Pellegrini’s final season at Eastlands and even the £49million signing of Raheem Sterling cannot dismiss the feeling that Manchester City are biding their time.

An ageing defence has not been renewed, nor has much been done to ease the burdens on David Silva and Sergio Aguero. A top four finish seems certain but a title push remains in doubt.

CHALLENGE Of more interest are events across Manchester at Old Trafford, where Louis van Gaal continues to shape his Manchester United team. The Red Devils still seem short of creative impetus but a top four finish could transform into a title challenge if their Dutch coach finds the right alchemy.

The sides jostling on the other side of the velvet rope face an ordeal to prevent last season’s top four from renewing their membership.

There is tremendous pressure on Brendan Rodgers to prove that last season was a blip in Liverpool’s progress, but the Irishman was given time as the transfer follies of last sum-

NEW RED: Liverpool’s Benteke

SECURITY: Arsenal enforcer Coquelin (left) in action against Man United mer could not be entirely laid at his door. Sterling has disappeared up the M62 but his loss was not as devastating as the 2014 departure of Luis Suarez.

Should summer signings such as Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino gel with Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson then the post-Gerrard era could prove fruitful. Still, the Reds seem short of a top four challenge.

Harry Kane has been at the

centre of a summer-long debate about his ability to replicate his stellar campaign from last season. An equally pressing concern for Tottenham is the general strength of the squad, with progress being hinged on the continued development of young talents such as Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb. European qualification seems to be the limit of Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Southampton have once

TROUBLE Garry Monk’s Swans will need to plunder more goals if they are to match last season’s highest-ever Premier League finish of eighth, while Mark Hughes faces a challenge to build on last season’s ninth place in the absence of the departing Steven Nzonzi despite the Potters’ evolving style.

Former Stoke manager Tony Pulis seems certain to keep West Brom clear of relegation trouble and may be kept company in mid-table by another former club in Crystal Palace, if

Alan Pardew is able to build on his promising start at Selhurst Park.

As ever, the three promoted clubs will struggle, even if Eddie Howe’s Championship winners Bournemouth make friends along the way with their attractive style.

The biggest doubt about Watford is their stability under Quique Flores, their fifth head coach in under a year.

To complete the trio, Norwich may lack the requisite strength despite their ascendency under Alex Neil but what gives these sides hope is the lack of quality in their immediate rivals.

The north east duo of Newcastle and Sunderland could feasibly be dragged into a dogfight should they fail to sparkle in the opening weeks, while West Ham seem an unknown quantity under Slaven Bilic and may either flourish or flounder.

Tim Sherwood ignited the fighting qualities that ensured Aston Villa’s survival last term but the sales of Benteke and Fabian Delph will limit expectations.

It is difficult to see Leicester surviving without Nigel Pearson and the bizarre appointment of a waning Claudio Ranieri does not inspire confidence.

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FOOTBALL

‘FOOTBALL HAS THE ABILITY TO INSPIRE’ be forgotten at this point, just ahead of the start of the season, when the airwaves, the papers as well as the digital and social channels are full of rivalries renewed and predictions of success or failure.

The Premier League and our clubs recognise our responsibilities in this area. English football has had a strong track record of being at the forefront of raising the issue of racism and tackling it.

The chief executive of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore, writes for the Voice of Sport

T

he Barclays Premier League kicks off this Saturday. There will be hope and anticipation in equal measure as fans throughout the country, and increasingly across the globe, welcome back the football.

Some of the finest talent in the game, playing for clubs known the world over will be putting on a competitive and compelling football spectacle in full and vibrant stadiums. Players like Hazard, OxladeChamberlain, Depay and Sterling will be exciting crowds and playgrounds alike.

Which is why we are launching the 2015/16 season today at Southfields Academy in south-west London.

As well as having the managers and captains from four Premier League clubs there to talk about their hopes for the football in the coming nine months, it is not incidental that we have chosen a secondary school in an urban setting.

Football, like virtually no other sport, has an ability to inspire and

engage young people. Often in areas where the routes to success are not always as clear as they should be. These are places where professional football clubs have strong links and an ability to make a real difference.

Southfields Academy is a school with a vibrant ethnic mix that has chosen to be a sports focused institution.

DEVELOP This is because it believes it can act as a beacon for its own pupils and those in feeder primary schools not just to excel in a sporting sense, but to utilise the attributes required to achieve in that field right across the curriculum.

This decision has led to investment by the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund into an artificial grass pitch, which is also available for community use. Chelsea runs its Premier League Kicks scheme, a participation and social intervention programme, there.

Southfields Academy is a living breathing example of how professional football can develop and deliver a community hub, helping forge

DISCRIMINATION

MESSAGE OF HOPE: Richard Scudamore

those important links between a football club and its communities, create sporting habits that last a lifetime and be used to bring people together.

Football’s power to bring people together is something that tends to

The work of Kick It Out for many years set the standard for all sports and other countries to follow. Other areas of discrimination have not always been recognised or addressed quickly enough.

As society changes and progresses, so must the game, and while we may not always get it spot on straight away there is no shortage of will in making sure we end up in the right place.

The profile and popularity of Premier League players, managers and clubs provide a platform to inform and educate, from the formative stages of a child’s development right through to challenging established prejudice.

Providing pathways to professional football for BAME and female coaches through our Elite Coaches Apprentice Scheme is another example of the

Premier League recognising an issue, working with those affected and delivering a solution. The key is to keep communicating and keep learning.

The League has been blessed with some wonderful footballers from all cultures and backgrounds – last season Victor Wanyama, the Kenyan midfielder, became the 91st nationality to score in the Premier League.

Modern players recognise their role and ability to set standards of behaviour and campaign on issues close to their hearts, or on those that have affected them.

CONTACTS Individuals like Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba, both of whom left the Premier League last season, will continue to use their name, contacts, experience and intelligence to positive effect – much like Thierry Henry and Marcel Desailly before them.

The Premier League, more and more, will continue to attract and create players of that calibre.

Those who see it is as their duty not only to entertain and thrill crowds and TV viewers with their skill and physical prowess, but also to use that profile to educate and include.

The Premier League and our clubs already encourage and facilitate where we can, but must learn to do more if football is to do more than reflect society and start shaping it too.

38| THE VOICE AUGUST 6 - 12, 2015

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CRÈME DE LA PREM The Voice of Sport’s Joel Campbell names his all-time best Premier League XI

A

S MY colleague and I sat in the press box watching the season opener between Arsenal and Chelsea, I mentioned that I believed Branislav Ivanovic is the best right back the Premier League has ever seen.

This prompted the debate over who exactly would fit into that elite starting eleven. With so many great players to have graced the top-flight, there will always be a debate over who plays and who gets overlooked.

So here is my starting eleven that would, if I dare say so myself, beat any other starting eleven you can think of! ☛ Peter Schmeichel – Longev-

☛ Ashley Cole – Simply the best

and if he’d been universally loved like David Beckham, Alan Shearer and Steven Gerard he would still be the best. I don’t have enough superlatives for this player. On pitch few had what he had. The league is a poorer place without him as is the England team.

☛ Rio Ferdinand – What I call a true don. Rolls Royce in the way he read the game, pre-emptive and dynamic. They don’t make defenders like Rio that often in this country. Walks into my starting eleven every single time. ☛ Jaap Stam – If only we had

got to see more of this man mountain. One of the most robust defenders I have ever seen

in the Pemier League and United struggled to fill his boots once the Dutchman had been ousted by then boss Sir Alex Ferguson. He taught those around him a heck of a lot in only 80 games for the club but the effects of his lessons were long lasting. ☛ Branislav Ivanovic – First off defenders should be able to defend, only then can I begin to appreciate anything else they do. While the league has seen some very good full-backs over the years none encapsulate the full armoury of attributes that Ivanovic possesses. A rock at the back, an attacking threat both aerially and from free kicks, the level that the Serbian operates at for me makes him the best right back ever to play in the league.

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spite his indiscipline at times, always improved. I don’t think there was a year when Vieira didn’t get better and better. For those who don’t understand why Arsene Wenger perseveres with players when all and sundry are calling time, look no further than the rise and rise of Vieira. His battles with Manchester United’s Roy Keane were legendary. His presence in the middle of the park struck fear into others.

Vieira at the peak of their powers protecting the back four?

It would have been immense.

Keane was a warrior, the type of player who operated on the edge. Took no prisoners and inspired a winning mentality in all around him. ☛ Gareth Bale – Hopefully this

Welsh gem is back in the Premier League one day. It’s true, he didn’t have enough ‘hot’ years to be included in a Premier League best ever eleven but for me the years he was hot for saw him elevate above many left sided forward players who have come before him. The only other player who could be picked over him is fellow countrymen Ryan Giggs.

Of the two, I’d have Bale every time.

“There will always

be debate over who plays and who gets overlooked ” ☛ Roy Keane – In this new age of two holding midfielders, can you imagine Roy Keane and

☛ Cristiano Ronaldo – Will we ever see a player like Ronaldo again in this country? Excit-

ing, brash and confident all at the same time. It doesn’t matter who is picking their team this man will be in it. The man was a machine on a mission when he was at Man United and his meteoric growth into one of the best players in the world is an indictment on his desire. Easy selection, no brainer. ☛ Thierry Henry – An integral

part of ‘The Invincibles’ Henry had that Gaelic swagger and smoothness coupled with amazing ability and raw pace. Another beneficiary of the Wenger project, Henry blossomed into an internationally feared striker and he learnt his trade here, in the Prem.

☛ Ruud Van Nistelrooy – Goal

machine with a fearsome presence on the field. Defenders had to be on their toes when Van Nistelrooy was about. Other strikers have scored more goals and command a better position in the all-time goal scorers rankings, the Dutchman was the most devastating of them all.

Sc eichel hm

ity, honours won and a weirdly amalgamated accent are what endear me most to the great Dane. A fantastic leader, United would not have dominated the way they did if it wasn’t for Schmeichel. A wonderful player

in his pomp, the Manchester United faithful can only dream about unearthing another gem like this in the future.

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☛ Patrick Vieira – Boss. True leader and a player, who de-

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AUGUST 6 - 12, 2015 THE VOICE | 39

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FOOTBALL

PREMIER LEAGUE JOURNAL

WING MAN: Eagle Zaha

All matches start at 15.00 unless otherwise stated

Saturday, August 8 MANCHESTER UTD – TOTTENHAM 12.45 Last season’s notes on both of these sides would read ‘must do better.’ The hosts, at least salvaged another disappointing season with the genuine hope of Champions League football after finishing fourth. Boss Louis van Gaal will be under more scrutiny having had a season to bed in. The signings of Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin could be pivotal. As for Spurs, not much has happened yet in terms of transfer business. No doubt striker Harry Kane will have to again be prolific in order to get the Cockerels crowing. Draw.

BOURNEMOUTH – ASTON VILLA This opening day fixture is ideal for top flight new boys Bournemouth. Eddie Howe’s men will come up against a side that have sold their best two players, just staved off relegation last term and were walloped by Arsenal in the FA Cup final. It will be a long hard season for Howe’s troops but they can land three points against the Midlanders. Villa chief Tim Sherwood will hope that his men have got over their nightmare end to the 20145-15 campaign. Happy hosts!

EVERTON – WATFORD No doubt newly promoted Watford will be full of enthusiasm when they take on one of last season’s biggest disappointments. Watford have a new boss in the shape of Spaniard Quique Flores. He will be reliant on captain, and ace goal poacher, Troy Deeney to pick up where he left off in the Championship. As for Everton, as ever, they will be hoping that Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley can sprinkle some of their magic dust. Toffees make things sticky early for the Hornets.

Photo credit: Ken Passley

Photo credit: Ken Passley

Photo credit: Ernest Simons

The Voice of Sport previews this weekend’s top flight fixtures

MAIN MAN: Arsenal playmaker Ozil

LEICESTER – SUNDERLAND At one stage last season the Foxes looked odds-on to be relegated. But a fine run of form in spring saw them pull off the great escape. Since then controversial manager Nigel Pearson has been sacked and replaced by former ‘Tinker Man’ Claudio Ranieri. It seems a strange appointment to me, but time will tell. The visitors, once again, face a fight for survival. Striker Jermain Defoe’s goals will be key. Opening day win for Ranieri.

NORWICH – CRYSTAL PALACE City did things the hard way last season, claiming the final PL berth via a play-off win at Wembley. In Cameron Jerome and skipper Russell Martin they have players with experience of the division. However, like the other two promoted clubs, Norwich will concede too many and not score enough goals.

Palace were regal at times during 2014-15. Manager Alan Pardew had the likes of Yannick Bolasie, Jason Punchoen and Wilfried Zaha firing. The addition of French midfield Johan Cabaye shows just where the south Londoners are headed – upwards. Away win.

CHELSEA – SWANSEA 17.30 The champions come against the team from South Wales who bloodied a big nose or two last term. Swansea put Man United and Arsenal to shame during what was a satisfactory season for Garry Monk’s men. Jose Mourinho’s standard bearers have it all to do again, but I fancy the serene Swans to puncture the early season optimism at Stamford Bridge by earning a score draw.

Sunday, August 9 ARSENAL – WEST HAM 13.30 This London derby generally entertains and I would bet this is the case on the opening day. Having secured another FA

IN THE RED: Can of Liverpool Cup success at the back end of last season, Arsene Wenger’s men will now have their eyes firmly fixed on the Premier League crown. They will have to get off to a better start than they did last year and be consistent. There’s a feel-good factor around the Emirates right now and with a new contract in his back pocket, forwards Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil could prove to be the main men for the Gunners. West Ham head back to East London with no points.

NEWCASTLE – SOUTHAMPTON 13.30 Just how Southampton proved to be so consistent last term is beyond me. After all, they sold their best players but still had enough about them to claim a Europa League spot. That said, that very same competition, could prove to be their Achilles heel this time round. Newcastle, now under the stewardship of Steve McClaren, are in for another season of woe, starting on opening day!

STOKE – LIVERPOOL 16.00 The last time these two teams met, Stoke hit the Anfield club for six. That was on the final day of last season and the Merseysiders have once again been shopping. Brendan Rodgers now has striker Christian Benteke in his ranks and the likes of Emre Can have more experience. Stoke, who were pleasing on the eye under Mark Hughes, should be mindful of a club our for revenge. Benteke off the mark in an away win.

Monday, August 10 WEST BROM – MAN CITY 20.00 West Brom boss Tony Pulis has got his team organised. The Baggies, when they get it right, will be a handful not just today but throughout the season. In Saido Berahino they have a match winner who is destined for bigger and better things.

Manuel Pellegrini’s fallen champions have added £49m forward Raheem Sterling to their number and I expect him to end his first PL match for the Citizens as a winner.

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SCAN ME

RAMPANTCole OX HAS and Elliott landmarks GOALS IN hitMIND

JUMPING FOR JOY: Oxlade-Chamberlain (far right) enjoys his golden moment at Wembley

Gunners looking to give Chelsea the Blues this term

By Rodney Hinds

F

RESH FROM his Community Shield winner, Arsenal star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has vowed to score more goals during the upcoming 201516 campaigm. Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a wonder strike as the Gunners shot down Chelsea at Wembley and he has the taste for more.

Injury problems restricted Oxlade-Chamberlain to just 17 Pre-

mier League starts for Arsenal last season, along with six further appearances from the substitutes bench, and he scored just once over the course of the campaign.

But he is hopeful that the new season will be different.

“I’m not afraid to say that I need to score more goals,” OxladeChamberlain admitted, as he reflected on his side’s 1-0 victory.

“I’ve set myself that target this year on a personal level so every time I’m on the pitch it’s important

“It was really nice to score” that I try and contribute in some way and a goal or an assist is what I need to do.

“It was really nice to score [on Sunday] and as it’s the winner, it’s

that little bit more special.

“We did enough, we defended really well as a team and kept them to minimal chances. That’s really positive going into the season because in the big games that’s what it comes down to sometimes.”

Of Arsenal’s hopes of landing the Premier Leage crown for the first time in 12 years, OxladeChamberlain added: “I have absolute faith and confidence in this team and I think that can be shared throughout the squad.

“As a group of players we’ve been together for a good number of years, so there’s a real team spirit and sense of togetherness.”

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