CHELSEA
Didier Drogba has warned Chelsea they need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are to retain their Premier League title. The London side drew 1-1 at Newcastle United on Sunday and have taken just four points from the last 15 on offer and Drogba knows they need to be more ruthless in both penalty areas. The 32-year-old told BBC Sport: "We had these moments last year and it is up to us to change things, to get back to scoring goals and not concede. We had so many clean sheets, but now we are conceding in every game, so that's something we have to change."
WIGAN ATHLETIC
Roberto Martinez last night revealed that tonight he will be aiming to get the better of the man whose footballing philosophy he is trying to emulate: Arsene Wenger.Wigan take on Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup at Emirates and Martinez is a follower of Wenger's approach to management. "I think developing players is key for a club," said Martinez. "And I think [Arsenal] clear model that has produced outstanding talent and is carrying on doing that. That's been a great example throughout football and for many people to follow.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Wes Brown is eager to make the most of his Manchester United opportunities before his advancing years catch up with him. He is now past his 31st birthday and his present contract is due to expire at the end of next season. However, while he still has a job to do for Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, he will continue to perform it. "I am not getting any younger and every game I play I try to do my best for the team," the versatile defender said. "You have to give everything for the cause. That is the most important thing for me."
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Jose Enrique will take Premier League survival however it comes. Newcastle moved into top half of the table after Sunday's 1-1 with champions Chelsea. Chris Hughton's men had to scrap their way to the final whistle, but Enrique, the full-back, insists that as long as Newcastle can avoid relegation, he does not care how they do it. The Spaniard said: "We are in a good position, but the most important thing is to stay in this division. When we play against the big teams, we have to drop back a little bit. I know it is uglier football, but if we get the results when we play like that, we will have to play like that in every game."
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Luka Modric insists Tottenham cannot be considered title contenders until they carry their home form into away matches. The midfielder believes Spurs' rivals are now scared of coming to White Hart Lane and urged his teammates to make themselves just as terrifying a prospect on the road. Sunday's fightback to beat Liverpool 2-1 moved Spurs up to fifth place. However, Modric feels three wins is not a good enough return from seven matches on the road. "We are very good, especially at home," he said. "We are struggling away but if we can improve that part of our game, we will be big contenders for the title."
LIVERPOOL
Paul Konchesky, the defender, has admitted that he has not yet reached the level required at Liverpool and accepted full responsibility for Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham. The left-back was caught out of position as Aaron Lennon raced through to score the winner. Konchesky stressed that he is determined to improve. "I've got to up my game. Where I've played before has not been as high a standard as Liverpool, but this is a good pressure," he said.
