On the 20th September 2013 what were the stories that dominated the football landscape? Including Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea.
Let’s cast our eyes back to this exact day, the 20th September 2014, but a year earlier.
What were the main tales from that day? What big events were happening in Premier League football?
Here are some of the big scoops from the 20th September 2013…
What’s the Mata?
Cracks began appearing in the relationship between Jose Mourinho and Juan Mata. Chelsea were still reeling from their defeat against FC Basel and the club were certainly still clicking after the return of the Special One.
“It’s part of a process with him, too. It is one thing to play with Ramires and Oscar closing down opponents on each side, and Mata as a No10 behind a striker with his clever assists, clever passes and fantastic actions because he has great talent.
“But it is another thing to adapt to the way we want to play. In this moment, Oscar is my No10 and, if anyone tells me Oscar has not been Chelsea’s best player this season, I’d have todisagree. I have to prove to the fans that I am good. Now [Mata] must do the same.”
In the end Mata did not adapt to Mourinho’s style and he was flogged to Manchester United in the winter for a £37.1 million fee.
Baines wanted Old Trafford
Leighton Baines wanted to join Manchester United last summer, it was revealed a year ago today.
The revelation came from Everton coach Alan Stubbs. He told reporters:
“Bainesy was never really an option, the club had dug its heels in. Bainesy had obviously said he’d like to go.”
Baines has since gone on to sign a new deal at the club and United have brought in new options in the form of Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw.
Ozil ‘pressure’
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was discussing the sale of Mesut Ozil to Arsenal – claiming that Ozil could not handle the pressure.
“Ozil asked to leave the club and nobody here should be upset about it. He could not stand the pressure of Madrid.”
It backed up claims by both Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane that the German simply did not have the fight for a Real Madrid place.
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