tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36161769084770021812023-11-15T08:02:15.002-08:00We Update You On All The Latest Sports News Making The HeadlinesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-88692297049404236932013-12-27T10:22:00.002-08:002013-12-27T10:22:51.923-08:00Rodgers lost the plot and must be charged for referee outburst at Man City<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">On a pretty mad Boxing Day it was
disappointing to see Liverpool turning nasty as they strived to stay top
of the most competitive league I can ever remember. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Traveling
to Manchester City this season has been a pointless exercise for all
teams and so when you start well and have a perfectly good goal
disallowed for offside there are grounds for complaint. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">However, from 1-0 up Liverpool capitulated as all before them had done but employed some dark tactics during and after the game.</span><br />
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Outburst: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers appeared to blame referee Lee Mason for his side's defeat </div>
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<img alt="Keep a lid on it: Jordan Henderson vented his frustrations at referee Lee Mason and his assistant " class="blkBorder img-share" height="445" id="i-5d020d39" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/27/article-0-1A4C48C000000578-918_634x445.jpg" width="634" />
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Keep a lid on it: Jordan Henderson vented his frustrations at referee Lee Mason and his assistant </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">As usual Luis Suarez was the main
culprit on the pitch, going to ground very easily to win free kicks or
even a penalty that Liverpool's approach play deserved but could not
achieve. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Glen Johnson
resorted to an ugly kick at Aleksandar Kolarov as the full back advanced
down the pitch away from him – a really cynical challenge. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Worse
was to follow as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers appeared to take
leave of his senses and blame the referee, Lee Mason, for the defeat and
suggest that where Mason lives was a factor. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">There
was no mention of Simon Mignolet allowing soft goal to creep in, or
Raheem Sterling missing a sitter to make it 2-2 and nor should there be
that kind of criticism in public.</span> <br />
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Going down: Luis Suarez felt he warranted a penalty following a tackle by Man City defender Joleon Lescott </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The same must apply with regards to
the integrity of the match officials. Mason had a reasonable game,
although he was far too lenient on the open and obvious shirt pulling at
set pieces; he is not alone in doing that. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Martin
Skrtel was outrageous on many occasions merely wrestling his opponent
and showing no interest in the ball and for Rodgers to highlight one
pull on Suarez was the kind of bias he inferred Mason showed throughout
the game because he lives in Bolton. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Referees
declare any club they cannot referee impartially every season and in
these sensitive times of match fixing the authorities check that list
carefully. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">That Mason
lives close to Manchester is not coincidence as the PGMOL regularly try
and keep referees and particularly those with young families, relatively
close to home on Boxing Day.</span><br />
<span id="ext-gen184" style="font-size: 1.2em;">
I am afraid Rodgers lost the plot, as so many do when striving to
achieve against established teams which is a real pity given the
excellent progress he has made with Liverpool.</span><br />
<span id="ext-gen183" style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
FA must charge him and worse could follow. He is up against Chelsea and
Jose Mourinho next and if anyone can exploit a weakness it is the
Portuguese.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-87961110171133018012013-12-15T14:03:00.003-08:002013-12-15T14:03:25.212-08:00Young Villains were queuing up to kick Januzaj, blasts United boss Moyes<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester United manager David Moyes
has called for more protection for Adnan Januzaj after accusing Aston
Villa's players of queuing up to kick the youngster in Sunday's 3-0 win
at Villa Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Danny
Welbeck's first-half brace and Tom Cleverley's first Premier League goal
in nearly a year were enough for United to stave off the threat of a
hat-trick of defeats.</span><br />
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<img alt="Rough and tumble: Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj (left) goes down under the challenge from Aston Villa's Yacouba Sylla (centre)" class="blkBorder" height="499" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-0-1A1F423B00000578-739_634x499.jpg" width="634" />
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Rough and tumble: Manchester United's Adnan
Januzaj (left) goes down under the challenge from Aston Villa's Yacouba
Sylla (centre)</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Darren Fletcher's
return after almost a year out with a chronic bowel complaint put
further shine on an impressive day for the visitors.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
But Moyes was not happy at the treatment Januzaj received from the home
players, and fears the 18-year-old is going to get injured if something
is not done to prevent the rough-house tactics.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'Just a bit,' said Moyes, when asked if he felt Januzaj was being kicked.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'In every game, I don't know how many tackles there have been on him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'That is why I am annoyed with fourth officials and referees. He is
definitely not getting protected and before you know it the boy will get
a sore one.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'It is
terrible what they (the officials) are allowing to go on at the moment.
They (opposition players) are queuing up to see who can kick him next.</span><br />
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<img alt="Villa sandwhich: Januzaj is blocked by Yacouba Sylla (left) and Nathan Baker" class="blkBorder" height="550" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-0-1A1F482700000578-340_634x550.jpg" width="634" />
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Villa sandwhich: Januzaj is blocked by Yacouba Sylla (left) and Nathan Baker</div>
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Not impressed: Manchester United manager David Moyes</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'(Matthew) Lowton was booked but there were that many tackles on him from different players.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'It is a recurring theme and it's the referees' job to sort it out. You would hope they would recognise that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'Adnan will just get up, walk away and get on with it. That is one of his biggest attributes.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Not surprisingly, Villa boss Paul Lambert rejected the assertion of his team being over-physical.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'My team are not a physical team,' said the Scot.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'We are a young side and maybe sometimes over exuberance gets the
better of them but I have never sent anyone out to kick them.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> It was Januzaj's bullet header that provided the rebound for Welbeck to tap United in front.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
The England striker, selected in the absence of Robin van Persie, was
netting for the first time in the Premier League since the opening day
of the season and quickly added another when he swept home Antonio
Valencia's cross.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'It is really important for Danny,' said Moyes.</span><br />
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<img alt="Pivotal: Januzaj's header rebounded off the post for Danny Welbeck to score the opening goal" class="blkBorder" height="345" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-0-1A1F4DB200000578-151_634x345.jpg" width="634" />
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Pivotal: Januzaj's header rebounded off the post for Danny Welbeck to score the opening goal</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'He is a forward and he needs to get himself goals. He got two poacher types today and he could have had had another.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'With Robin out he stepped up to the mark. When you get opportunities, you show what you can do. Danny certainly did that.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
There was never any doubt over the outcome once Cleverley had struck
from Wayne Rooney's lay-off, allowing Moyes to end Fletcher's near
12-month absence with a chronic bowel complaint, that has plagued him
for almost three years.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'If
anybody returns from an illness to play professional football on this
kind of stage for a club like Manchester United, it shows a lot about
the boy himself,' said Moyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'He has had to be on his own, he has been in and out of hospital, he has had operations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'Today was a big message to a lot of people - keep believing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'If you are not well then keep believing that you can get yourself right.'</span><br />
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<img alt="Welcome back: Darren Fletcher made his first appearance for almost a year" class="blkBorder" height="443" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-0-1A1F69D800000578-925_634x443.jpg" width="634" />
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Welcome back: Darren Fletcher made his first appearance for almost a year</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Fletcher declared himself satisfied at his comeback.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'I always believed I would come back,' he told MUTV.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'Other people around me were trying to make me think otherwise, but I stayed strong and believed I would get back. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Playing a game like that, and getting an ovation like that, makes it all worthwhile.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
Lambert was less pleased, with striker Christian Benteke a particular
disappointment as his run without a goal reached 10 games.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'He will come through it,' said Lambert.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'His endeavour was there. He is not getting the breaks he had last year but he will go through stages like this in his career.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-39464761816044801992013-12-15T14:02:00.001-08:002013-12-15T14:02:51.629-08:00Determine not to quit! Villas-Boas takes responsibility as Liverpool mauling sparks fresh speculation over his future as Spurs boss<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Andre Villas-Boas has pledged not to resign as Tottenham manager
despite overseeing Spurs' heaviest-ever home league defeat to Liverpool.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> The
under-fire Tottenham boss did, however, admit he did not know how much
longer the club would give him to turn their season around.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Villas Boas said he has never faced a
worse home loss in his career than the 5-0 Barclays Premier League
drubbing at the hands of Brendan Rodgers' rampant Reds.</span><br />
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<img alt="Glum: Andre Villas-Boas looks on his side are thumped 5-0 by Liverpool" class="blkBorder" height="445" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524218-1A204BB000000578-240_634x445.jpg" width="634" />
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Glum: Andre Villas-Boas looks on his side are thumped 5-0 by Liverpool</div>
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Delight: Luis Suarez, captain for the day, celebrates after scoring the goal which set Liverpool on their way</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Villas-Boas said he
has no scheduled meeting with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, but
claimed there is no problem with Spurs' board.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
Liverpool captain Luis Suarez ran wild at White Hart Lane, scoring
twice and having a hand in the goals for Jordan Henderson, John Flanagan
and Raheem Sterling.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
Villas-Boas vowed Tottenham would bounce back from this latest heavy
defeat, after claiming they had managed to get over their 6-0 mauling at
Manchester City last month.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> And the Portuguese refused to give up on a top-four Premier League finish.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
Asked how much time he would be given at Spurs, Villas-Boas said:
'That's the only thing I can't control, it's not my call so I can't say
anything else.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'I have to get down to work, that's the only thing I can focus on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'The call to make that decision is not mine, because obviously I won't resign and I'm not a quitter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'The only thing I can do is work hard with the players to get them back on track.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'This is a top-four squad but in our Premier League form we are not there.</span><br />
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<img alt="Red alert: Suarez was again irresistible for Liverpool and netted his side's fourth with a cute chip" class="blkBorder" height="398" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524218-1A202DAB00000578-761_634x398.jpg" width="634" />
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Red alert: Suarez was again irresistible for Liverpool and netted his side's fourth with a cute chip</div>
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Blame me: Villas-Boas says he will shoulder the responsibility for the loss</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'It's not the points tally that's the problem, it's the expression of the results.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'It's
the second expressive scoreline that we've suffered in the season, and
we admit that in the Premier League things aren't going in any shape or
form the way we want.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'All of us had high expectations for this season, we still have them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'Again I repeat that we are not far off, but the distance is increasing for those Champions League spots.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'And because of the expressive result it makes it even more difficult for us to bounce back.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Villas-Boas'
rocky ride at White Hart Lane was not helped by a tweet from Benoit
Assou-Ekotto, seeming to make light of the defeat with team-mate Emanuel
Adebayor, who were both at the ground for the match.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Villas-Boas
offered no argument with defeat, but felt Paulinho's second-half red
card allowed Liverpool to pile on the goals, and the misery.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Confirming he would try to appeal that red card, Villas-Boas labelled the decision 'an extremely poor call'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> He said: 'I think it was a bit harsh because I don't think there was intention to hurt Suarez.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'His
foot was high, definitely a yellow card, but a straight red I think is a
bit too much, because Paulinho is not that type of player.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'I think it was an extremely poor call that has an influence, not on the victory of Liverpool but on the expressive result.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I will try (to appeal the red card), hopefully there can be some sensitivity into it.'</span><br />
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Shot shy: Spurs failed to muster a single shot on target, much to the frustration of Roberto Soldado</div>
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<img alt="Marching orders: Referee Jon Moss sends off Paulinho after he left Suarez rolling on the ground" class="blkBorder" height="451" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524218-1A20026E00000578-334_634x451.jpg" width="634" />
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Marching orders: Referee Jon Moss sends off Paulinho after he left Suarez stricken on the ground</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Liverpool
manager Rodgers heaped praised on striker Luis Suarez, hinting that
captaincy can bring the best out of the prolific Uruguay forward.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Suarez's
brace took his Premier League goals tally to 17 for the season, but
Rodgers was most concerned with his leadership skills.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Rodgers said: 'This is a guy who has captained one of the most iconic clubs in
European football in Ajax, so it's nothing new to him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'I wanted to have someone who could represent me and the club in that tunnel, before even stepping on the pitch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'When Luis Suarez has the armband on ready to go out, everyone knows this is a team ready to fight.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'He was great in the changing room, I told him a few days back I wanted
him to lead this club and that it was an honour for him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'I think he enjoyed it and today you've seen his performance level.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Hailing his side's dominance in every area, Rodgers said: 'I loved their arrogance with the ball today.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'They were a real threat with the ball all day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'In winning teams everyone supports each other, and this was a result achieved without our captain Steven Gerrard.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'When we have that focus and concentration we're a very good side.'</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-41395952944349805662013-12-15T14:00:00.000-08:002013-12-15T14:00:08.803-08:00Aston Villa 0 Man United 3: Welbeck makes most of RVP absence with deadly double<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">At last, David Moyes has unearthed a
sure thing to survive the great summer of upheaval at Manchester
United — the unyielding certainty of points at Villa Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">So
many of United’s dead certs seemed to leave the building with Sir Alex
Ferguson, such as avoiding defeat at home to Everton and Newcastle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
the hold over Aston Villa lives on. Two goals from striker Danny
Welbeck in three first-half minutes and one by midfielder Tom Cleverley
saw to that as United ended a winless run of four games in the Barclays
Premier League.</span><br />
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Main man: Danny Welbeck (right) scored twice as Manchester United cruised to victory at Aston Villa</div>
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<img alt="Aston Villa " class="blkBorder" height="84" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A4D2313000005DC-630_87x84.jpg" width="87" />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Aston Villa (4-1-4-1): </b>Guzan
6; Lowton 5, Baker 5, Clark 5, Luna 4; Westwood 6; Albrighton 6, Sylla 4
(Weimann 62, 5), El Ahmadi 5 (Bacuna 87), Agbonlahor 5; Benteke 5
(Kozak 79).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Subs not used:</b> Steer, Bowery, Gardner, Tonev.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Booked:</b> Agbonlahor, Lowton, Clark, Baker.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Manager:</b> Paul Lambert 5.</span><br />
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<img alt="Manchester United" class="blkBorder" height="84" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A4D2313000005DC-311_87x84.jpg" width="87" />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Man United (4-2-3-1):</b> De
Gea 6; Rafael 7, Evans 6, Jones 6, Evra 6; Cleverley 7, Giggs 6
(Fletcher 70, 5); Valencia 8, Rooney 8 (Zaha 84), Januzaj 7 (Young 70,
5); Welbeck 8.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Subs not used:</b> Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio, Buttner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Goals: </b>Welbeck 15,17, Cleverly 52<b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Booked:</b> De Gea, Welbeck.<b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Manager: </b>David Moyes 7.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Man of the Match:</b> Welbeck</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Referee: </b>Lee Mason 6</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Attendance: </b>42,682</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*Player ratings by Matt Barlow at Villa Park</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">What a relief for Moyes to halt the
worrying slide away from the top four. What a relief to find the likes
of Welbeck, Cleverley and Antonio Valencia stepping forth to shoulder
responsibility alongside Wayne Rooney.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">What a relief to encounter Villa in such an insipid mood.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It
is more than 18 years since United failed to take anything from this
Birmingham venue, back in August 1995 when they were beaten 3-1 on the
opening day of the season and Alan Hansen claimed on Match of the Day
that you ‘can’t win anything with kids’.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Perspectives
have changed. These days, Manchester United expect to win regardless
of who wears the shirt. The pressure was on at Villa and anxiety was
all too evident as United started nervously in defence.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Karim
El Ahmadi and Marc Albrighton both tested David de Gea early on but
Villa went behind in the 15th minute and never looked like altering the
outcome from that moment on.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Valencia
and Rafael did much of the damage on the United right, tormenting
left back Antonio Luna, who found himself badly exposed by Gabriel
Agbonlahor’s determination to chase beyond Christian Benteke in attack
and the inability of Villa’s midfield to sense the threat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Both
Welbeck’s goals came from this area of the pitch and there could have
been more from the same source before half-time had United been more
clinical. Rafael produced a wonderful cross, dug out from close to the
corner flag for the opener. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Adnan
Januzaj climbed to meet it with a magnificent header, which thumped
into the base of a post and Welbeck reacted first, forcing the ball into
the net. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We are staying up,’ sang the United fans.</span><br />
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David Moyes: The all round performance was more like us
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Lambert: Started well but the goals were disappointing to concede
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<img alt="Opening salvo: Welbeck slides home United's goal to send them on their way at Villa Park" class="blkBorder" height="378" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F863100000578-765_634x378.jpg" width="634" />
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Opening salvo: Welbeck slides home United's goal to send them on their way at Villa Park</div>
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Relieved: United manager David Moyes went through a range of emotions on the touchline at Villa Park</div>
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<b>SUPER STAT</b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea kept the champions’ first clean sheet away from home this season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Soon
they were 2-0 up. Cleverley and Welbeck combined in midfield to release
Valencia and Welbeck was first to the low cross, sliding in ahead of
Rooney to guide it into the top corner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He had not scored in the Premier League since the opening day of the season at Swansea and here were two inside 180 seconds.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">How
the 23-year-old England international must have been thrilled to start
up front after spending much of the season on the left wing for club and
country.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">With fellow strikers Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez among the injured at United, Welbeck made his case. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He
might easily have finished with a hat-trick, pulling one effort wide
in the first half and chipping just over the bar after a goalmouth
scramble in the second half. But he has to be satisfied with two goals
and a splendid display.</span><br />
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<img alt="Making things happen: Wayne Rooney dropped deep and was pivotal in Manchester United's victory" class="blkBorder" height="412" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F863900000578-51_634x412.jpg" width="634" />
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Making things happen: Wayne Rooney dropped deep and was pivotal in Manchester United's victory</div>
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<img alt="Doubling up: Welbeck slides home to increase United's advantage as they return to winning ways " class="blkBorder" height="407" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F265B00000578-305_634x407.jpg" width="634" />
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Doubling up: Welbeck slides home to increase United's advantage as they return to winning ways </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">As United relaxed, no-one was more influential than Rooney, dropping deep, spraying passes and dictating the pace. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He ought to have hit the target from a cross by Valencia after the United winger had again brushed Luna aside.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Cleverley made it safe for the visitors, coolly clipping the ball past Brad Guzan after an astute pass by Rooney.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It was a year to the day since his last Premier League goal and capped a complete performance for the often maligned midfielder.</span><br />
<img alt="Clever boy: Tom Cleverley added gloss to the scoreline with a third United goal in the second half" class="blkBorder" height="354" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F7BD300000578-198_634x354.jpg" width="634" />
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Clever boy: Tom Cleverley added gloss to the scoreline with a third United goal in the second half</div>
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<img alt="Pleased as punch: Tom Cleverley celebrates wildly after stretching United's lead on Sunday" class="blkBorder" height="429" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F7FF100000578-776_634x429.jpg" width="634" />
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Pleased as punch: Tom Cleverley celebrates wildly after stretching United's lead on Sunday</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">These are the type of tidy and industrious displays which made him an England regular under Roy Hodgson in the first place.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">United
coasted home from here. Off came Rooney and Ryan Giggs and on went
Darren Fletcher for his first taste of action since last Boxing Day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">De
Gea saved at the near post from Albrighton and sprang to his right to
keep out a free-kick from El Ahmadi but these were rare forays from
Villa, who reacted to the frustration with a few extra physical tackles
and petulant reaction, which seemed to irritate Moyes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Paul
Lambert put it down to ‘over-exuberance’ but four of his players were
booked, including Agbonlahor, who was making his 300th appearance for
the club and will be banned from the next one, at Stoke.</span><br />
<img alt="Temper, temper: Welbeck (obscured) clashes with Nathan Baker before the pair were booked" class="blkBorder" height="438" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F6D9200000578-728_634x438.jpg" width="634" />
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Temper, temper: Welbeck (obscured) clashes with Nathan Baker before the pair were booked</div>
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<img alt="Up in the air: Matthew Lowton challenges Wayne Rooney as Villa suffer another defeat at home" class="blkBorder" height="421" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F6D8200000578-317_634x421.jpg" width="634" />
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Up in the air: Matthew Lowton challenges Wayne Rooney as Villa suffer another defeat at home</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">They
may have started with a win at Arsenal in August but, on this showing,
Villa are every bit as poor as last year without the same blaze of
Benteke goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He scored
23 last season and four in the first four of this Premier League
campaign but the Belgian has not found the net in 10 games, a run
stretching back to mid-September. ‘He’s not getting the breaks,’ said
Lambert.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Villa supporters were remarkably patient, or were unable to summon the energy to be angry. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">There
were a few groans at half-time when they went in two behind and a few
more at the end but most settled for going home early.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Villa
Park was virtually empty by the time the game ended, while the
travelling fans were singing the name of their manager and Moyes was on
the pitch, giving them a wave of thanks. What a relief.</span>
<img alt="Welcome return: Darren Fletcher made his first Premier League appearance since last Boxing Day" class="blkBorder" height="392" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2524043-1A1F5F7F00000578-937_634x392.jpg" width="634" />
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Welcome return: Darren Fletcher made his first Premier League appearance since last Boxing Day</div>
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Sidelined: Scotland midfielder Fletcher has struggled to overcome a chronic bowel condition</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-19117565225121956272013-12-15T13:54:00.001-08:002013-12-15T13:54:41.086-08:00West Brom's Berahino posts foul-mouthed Tweet just minutes after Clarke sacking... but don't worry, it's only a 'flat tyre'!<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West Bromwich Albion forward Saido
Berahino is feeling flat after Steve Clarke's sacking from the
Hawthorns, but according to him his deflated mood is purely because of a
'punctured tyre'. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
young star Tweeted 'Wow i cant believe it, that's f****** s***!!!!'
just minutes after Clarke's departure hit the news, but soon excused the
foul-mouthed Tweet as 'relating to a personal issue, nothing else'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He then posted a picture of a punctured tyre, before deleting the image.</span><br />
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<img alt="Talent: Saido Berahino - who scored at Old Trafford for West Brom - recently signed a new deal at the club" class="blkBorder" height="426" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/11/20/article-2510896-056BC37000000514-146_634x426.jpg" width="634" />
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Talent: Saido Berahino - who scored at Old Trafford for West Brom - recently signed a new deal at the club</div>
<img alt="Not a good move: Berahino lamented West Brom's decision to sack Clarke on Saturday night" class="blkBorder" height="95" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1C324D00000578-974_634x95.jpg" width="634" />
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Not a good move: Berahino lamented West Brom's decision to sack Clarke on Saturday night</div>
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<img alt="Backtrack: Berahino quickly posted this Tweet, suggesting he was angry about a personal issue" class="blkBorder" height="105" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1C4BD800000578-905_634x105.jpg" width="634" />
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Backtrack: Berahino quickly posted this Tweet, suggesting he was angry about a personal issue</div>
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<img alt="Feeling down: Berahino then posted a picture of a flat tyre, but then deleted the image" class="blkBorder" height="806" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/15/article-2523905-1A1C5A4700000578-133_634x806.jpg" width="634" />
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Feeling down: Berahino then posted a picture of a flat tyre, but then deleted the image</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The club revealed only late last month that they planned to hold contract talks with the Scot in the new year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">However, Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Cardiff was the Baggies' fourth in a row leaving them 16th in the league.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Berahino committed his future to the club earlier this month, signing a three-and-a-half year deal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
new deal saw the England Under 21 international receive an icnrease
from £850-per-week to £12,000-per-week, but his future may be in doubt
after speaking out about the club's decision.</span><br />
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<img alt="International class: The 20-year-old has announced himself in England with some fine performances this season" class="blkBorder" height="444" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/11/20/article-2510896-196B6FE400000578-712_634x444.jpg" width="634" />
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International class: The 20-year-old has announced himself in England with some fine performances this season</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It was Clarke who gave Berahino his first appearance for the club, and he has scored six goals this season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
club announced their decision to dispense with Clarke, and place him on
gardening leave, was the unanimous decision of the board of directors
with the Baggies just two points and two places above the relegation
zone.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Assistant Kevin Keen has also been placed on gardening leave.</span><br />
<img alt="Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year" class="blkBorder" height="395" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1A307200000578-981_634x395.jpg" width="634" />
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Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-87533283372840839942013-12-15T13:53:00.000-08:002013-12-15T13:53:12.187-08:00Wilshere faces FA action for obscene gesture to City fans during 6-3 defeat<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">England midfielder Jack Wilshere is
facing FA action after making an obscene one-fingered gesture at
Manchester City supporters on Sunday.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Arsenal player was shown on television cameras reacting angrily to home
fans during his side’s astonishing 6-3 defeat to their title rivals.</span><br />
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<img alt="Controversial: Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere appeared to make an offensive gesture at The Etihad" class="blkBorder" height="319" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523671-1A19D94D00000578-181_634x319.jpg" width="634" />
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Controversial: Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere appeared to make an offensive gesture at The Etihad</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Even if referee Martin Atkinson
fails
to mention the incident in his report, which he will file to the FA on
Monday, the ruling body still have the right to charge Wilshere with
‘improper conduct’.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Liverpool’s
Luis Suarez served a one-match suspension two years ago for a similar
act in a game against Fulham and the FA, conscious of potential
accusations of favouring England players, will be keen to ensure that
justice is done.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsenal
manager Arsene Wenger claimed to have missed the incident which followed
a superb Wilshere shot being saved by City keeper Costel Pantilimon.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘I didn’t see that,’ said Wenger. ‘I don’t know if he did it. If he did it and he’s banned, we will have to accept it.’</span><br />
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<img alt="Frustrating afternoon: Jack Wilshere didn't play as he might have hoped as Arsenal lost at The Etihad" class="blkBorder" height="376" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523671-1A19E0C900000578-496_634x376.jpg" width="634" />
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Frustrating afternoon: Jack Wilshere didn't play as he might have hoped as Arsenal lost at The Etihad</div>
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<img alt="Significant blow: Laurent Koscielny is Arsenal's best defender and key to their title challenge" class="blkBorder" height="439" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523671-1A19C66B00000578-755_634x439.jpg" width="634" />
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Significant blow: Laurent Koscielny is Arsenal's best defender and key to their title challenge</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Surprisingly,
Wenger refused to accept that Manuel Pellegrini’s side represent his
primary rivals for the title, despite City having scored 31 times in
their last six home games — including six against both Arsenal and
Tottenham, as well as four times against Manchester United.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘I
don’t know, we will see,’ said Wenger, when asked if the defeat was
significant. ‘They are one of the teams to beat but not more than any
other team. We have played against Everton, who are as good as City; we
have played against Southampton, who are as good as City.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘What
hurts me more is we had the opportunity to put City at nine points
(behind) and they are three tonight. That’s very difficult to swallow
because that was a team that was not unbeatable today.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Wenger,
who claimed he was not looking for excuses for the embarrassing
reverse, did, however, reference his team’s midweek Champions League
trip to Napoli and the performance of Atkinson as key factors. </span><br />
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<img alt="Damaging day: But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims he did not see the incident" class="blkBorder" height="455" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523671-1A1A1C6D00000578-320_634x455.jpg" width="634" />
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Damaging day: But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims he did not see the incident</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We had
three offsides not turned down and a penalty turned down,’ he said. ‘The
referee had a bad game.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Wenger
also left the Etihad with concerns over defender Laurent Koscielny, who
suffered a bad cut to his leg in trying to defend City’s second goal.
‘He will be out for a while,’ said Wenger. ‘How long? I don’t know.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">For
opposite number Pellegrini, the victory followed hot on the heels of an
impressive Champions League success at Bayern Munich, a result
overshadowed by the fact the manager confessed he did not realise how
many goals his team needed to score to top the qualifying group. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘This
was a more complete game because we couldn’t score four against Bayern
and there were a lot of complaints about that,’ joked City’s Chilean
manager. ‘But I don’t think that was our best performance because
Arsenal scored three goals and that’s too many for the chances they had.</span></div>
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<img alt="Euro 2000: A young David Beckham gave a one-finger salute to supporters after England's 3-2 loss to Portugal" class="blkBorder" height="523" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523671-002AC61700000258-590_634x523.jpg" width="634" />
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Euro 2000: A young David Beckham gave a one-finger salute to supporters after England's 3-2 loss to Portugal</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘But
it was a very complete game in an attacking sense because it is not
easy to score six goals against Arsenal. We are not thinking about the
title at this moment, we have a lot more points to fight for.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We
must continue improving and finding our style of football. For me, it’s
very important to be an entertaining team, but I think we can entertain
more if we score six goals and they don’t score three!’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Only
a calf injury suffered by Sergio Aguero could take the gloss off
another scintillating display by City, with Pellegrini awaiting the
result of medical tests on Monday.</span><br />
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<img alt="Past: Luis Suarez of Liverpool aims a middle finger at Fulham fans, which he received a one-match ban for" class="blkBorder" height="403" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523671-0F114A3000000578-437_634x403.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Past: Luis Suarez of Liverpool aims a middle finger at Fulham fans, which he received a one-match ban for</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-4881936235186039032013-12-15T13:52:00.000-08:002013-12-15T13:52:04.308-08:00West Brom act after four defeats in a row pushes them closer to relegation zone<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Steve Clarke is in shock after being
sacked by West Brom four weeks after they said they would open contract
talks with him in the new year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Just hours after the club’s defeat by Cardiff, Clarke was gone and his rival Malky Mackay was among the favourites to take over.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
fourth straight League defeat left West Brom 16th in the table, two
points above the relegation zone. They have won only nine of their last
41 League games. </span><br />
<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year" class="blkBorder" height="395" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1A307200000578-981_634x395.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Bad run: Steve Clarke has been sacked by West Brom after winning just seven games this year</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Clarke’s players appeared to be
shocked by the news, striker Saido Berahino, tweeting, ‘wow I can’t
believe it, that’s f****** s***!!!!’ before later deleting the posting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Former
West Brom boss Roberto di Matteo is another name in the frame, while
former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, title-winning
manager of Norwegian side Molde, is highly rated in England. Steve
McClaren, who took over at Derby in September, is also a candidate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West
Brom sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: ‘We have
reluctantly come to the decision to relieve Steve of his duties. It has
been well documented that we have not had the rub of the green this
season, but that does not cloud the generally disappointing points
return during this calendar year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘This
club’s track record proves we do not take such decisions lightly,
having only enforced a change in this position three times in about 14
years. But with key games coming up, we felt it was important we acted
now to give the club the best possible chance this season.’</span><br />
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<img alt="Mixed emotions: Frazier Campbell celebrates Cardiff's winner as Liam Ridgewell and Claudio Yacob look on" class="blkBorder" height="372" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523841-1A1B210D00000578-368_634x372.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Mixed emotions: Frazier Campbell celebrates Cardiff's winner as Liam Ridgewell and Claudio Yacob look on</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Clarke,
former assistant to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, guided West Brom to
eighth place last season, their highest ever Premier League position.
This season started brightly with just two defeats in their opening 10
games, with the highlight a 2-1 win at United. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
wheels have since come off with only one win in their last 10 matches,
although they haven’t always enjoyed the best of luck, memorably when
denied a famous win at Chelsea by a controversial late penalty which
prompted referees chief Mike Riley to apologise to Clarke.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Yesterday,
Clarke sounded aware that he was running out of excuses. He said: ‘The
performances are OK, but you have to separate yourself from that and
look at the results. We are looking over our shoulders and that’s never
comfortable. We have to work harder and hope to get a break or that
somebody does something fantastic.’</span><br />
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</div>
<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="Beaten man: Clarke looks dejected on the touchline just hours before losing his job" class="blkBorder" height="441" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523841-1A1BF16A00000578-700_634x441.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Beaten man: Clarke looks dejected on the touchline just hours before losing his job</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He
was on a two-year contract due to end in the summer and Garlick said on
November 21: ‘Steve’s contract was discussed at last month’s board
meeting. We decided that we would open talks with Steve in the new year
which, historically, we feel is the time to address such matters.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
last night Clarke was summoned to a meeting where he was told the news
by chairman Jeremy Peace and the rest of the board at the club’s
training ground.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">There was
some disquiet at the club at video footage of West Brom players enjoying
a Christmas party in Dublin just a few days before the crucial trip to
Cardiff.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Yesterday’s performance did Clarke few favours with West Brom failing to get a single effort on goal throughout the first half.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It
was Peter Whittingham who scored the only goal of the game, rising to
meet Craig Noone’s 65th-minute cross and beat Boaz Myhill with a header
for Cardiff’s first win in six League games.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">At
the final whistle you could sense the relief around the stadium for
Mackay and his players. But it could have been very different had
Cardiff’s Gary Medel not cleared off the line following Gareth McAuley’s
close-range effort, or David Marshall had not superbly denied Shane
Long late on.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-55325412907969064762013-12-14T18:13:00.002-08:002013-12-14T18:13:06.789-08:00United set to open £50m Rooney talks as Moyes plans give away Rooney by January<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester United are confident Wayne
Rooney is ready to begin discussions on a new four-year contract worth a
staggering £50million - as David Moyes prepares to wield the axe in a
bid to ignite their Premier League season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
United executive chairman Ed Woodward has contacted Rooney's agent Paul
Stretford a number of times in the past few weeks, and it is understood
formal meetings will take place soon.</span><br />
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<img alt="Positive sign: Manchester United set to open contract talks with striker Wayne Rooney " class="blkBorder" height="410" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523816-1A03502200000578-367_634x410.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Positive sign: Manchester United set to open contract talks with striker Wayne Rooney </div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> It is the first sign of
a breakthrough between the player and the club since the breakdown in
relations with Sir Alex Ferguson, aggravated by the former boss's
insistence that Rooney, 28, had asked to leave the club, something the
striker has always denied. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">News that he wants to stay will delight Moyes, who will ditch players as he looks to freshen up his squad.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia have struggled and Moyes said: 'A few could go if we got the right offer.'</span><br />
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<img alt="Smiles better: Rooney appears to be much happier at United" class="blkBorder" height="600" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523816-19FAC8E200000578-625_634x600.jpg" width="634" />
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Smiles better: Rooney appears to be much happier at United</div>
</div>
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<img alt="Key man: Rooney will have to lead United attack after Robin van Persie was ruled out for next eight matches by thigh injury" class="blkBorder" height="489" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523816-19FAC8CA00000578-789_634x489.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Key man: Rooney will have to lead United attack after Robin van Persie was ruled out for next eight matches by thigh injury</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> England pair Tom
Cleverley and Danny Welbeck, as well as Javier Hernandez, Anderson and
Alex Buttner, have not proved themselves, while veterans Rio Ferdinand
and Patrice Evra are unlikely to be offered new contracts.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'I've tried to give an opportunity to everybody,' Moyes said. 'Would we
sell? If the right offers were there we'd probably look at it.</span><br />
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<img alt="Tough decision: United boss David Moyes is ready to wield the axe" class="blkBorder" height="513" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523816-1A14FB3D00000578-840_634x513.jpg" width="634" />
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Tough decision: United boss David Moyes is ready to wield the axe</div>
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<img alt="Under pressure: Ashley Young has struggled to make an impact under David Moyes" class="blkBorder" height="436" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523816-1A031B7A00000578-632_634x436.jpg" width="634" />
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Under pressure: Ashley Young has struggled to make an impact under David Moyes</div>
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<img alt="On his way: Midfielder Anderson has failed to impress" class="blkBorder" height="509" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523816-1A0E085300000578-125_634x509.jpg" width="634" />
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On his way: Midfielder Anderson has failed to impress</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> 'We'll be balancing trying to move people on but also trying to bring people in.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
Moyes watched Atletico Madrid's £15million midfielder Koke face Porto
defender Eliaquim Mangala in the Champions League on Wednesday. He also
plans to try again for Everton leftback Leighton Baines.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-92156153720735397432013-12-14T17:29:00.005-08:002013-12-14T17:29:27.281-08:00Barcelona 2 Villarreal 1: Catalan giants gives La Liga lead thanks to Neymar brace<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Barcelona's brilliant Brazilian Neymar
made it five goals in two games as the league leaders moved five points
clear of Real Madrid. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">As
Leo Messi continues his recuperation in Argentina Neymar continues to
fill the the four times Balon d’Or winners golden boots.</span><br />
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<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="On a run: Neymar celebrates the second goal, his fifth goal in a week for Barcelona" class="blkBorder" height="374" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523783-1A1B919600000578-127_634x374.jpg" width="634" />
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On a run: Neymar celebrates the second goal, his fifth goal in a week for Barcelona</div>
</div>
<br />
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<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="Ahead: Barcelona's Neymarcelebrates after scoring the opening goal in the first half" class="blkBorder" height="412" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1B676000000578-730_634x412.jpg" width="634" />
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Ahead: Barcelona's Neymarcelebrates after scoring the opening goal in the first half</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Questions were asked recently about
the 57m euros signing from Santos’ ability to finish – his answer has
been resounding, netting three times against Celtic and twice against
Villarreal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Barcelona’s
Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta confirmed after the game that
representatives of the club will travel to Argentina next week to speak
with Messi, after this display he can tell the Barça number 10 there is
no need to hurry his comeback.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'He
will give us so much more than goals' said Zubizarreta about Neymar but
on the night it was his finishing that earned Barcelona the points.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'You
are always going to miss the best player in the world when he is not
there,' said Barcelona coach Tata Martino. 'I think we would have played
even better in these last two games with him.' </span></div>
<br />
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<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="Slotted home: Neymar was handed the opportunity to score after Mario's handball" class="blkBorder" height="333" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1B67E700000578-168_634x333.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Slotted home: Neymar was handed the opportunity to score after Mario's handball</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">All the same he will have been delighted to see his side move extend their advantage over Real Madrid without Messi’s help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">With
Xavi rested on the bench former Arsenal midfielders Alex Song and Cesc
Fabregas paired-up in midfield and it was Song who almost broke the
deadlock but his shot came back off Sergio Asenjo’s right-hand upright. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Barcelona dominated the opening exchanges and it was Neymar who put them ahead on 28 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Brazilian became the fifth different player to score from the spot for
Barcelona this season after Mario Gaspar handled Jordi Alba’s cross. </span></div>
<br />
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<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="On the bounce: Neymar's goal marks the first time he has scored in consecutive games for Barca" class="blkBorder" height="416" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-0-1A1B699900000578-674_634x416.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
On the bounce: Neymar's goal marks the first time he has scored in consecutive games for Barca</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Alexis should have made it 2-0 when put through by Iniesta but had his shot turned away for a corner by Asenjo. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Villarreal
equalized just four minutes into the second half when Mateo Musacchio
bullet-headed a corner past Jose Pinto after getting ahead of Marc
Bartra.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Having a allowed
Villrreal to get back into the game Barça struggled to get back on top
and on the hour Tata Martino decided he had seen enough and brought Xavi
on for Alex Song. The Cameroon midfielder continues to play only a
bit-part role at the Camp Nou and the change was the catalyst for
Barcelona going back in front.</span></div>
<br />
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<img alt="Leveller: Villarreal's players celebrate after the equaliser just after half-time" class="blkBorder" height="399" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/14/article-2523783-1A1B81B400000578-532_634x399.jpg" width="634" />
<div class="imageCaption">
Leveller: Villarreal's players celebrate after the equaliser just after half-time</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Fabregas
sprang the off-side trap with a pass that Alexis Sanchez turned back to
Neymar who made it ten goals in all competitions this season. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Alexis
Sanchez was involved again moments later when he pulled the back for
Andres Iniesta whose first times shot was brilliantly turned away by
Asenjo.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Neymar was then
booked by referee Ignacio Iglesias for taking a corner too quickly;
Zubizareta confirmed the club will consider appealing the card once they
have seen the referee’s report. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">If
it is not overturned he miss next week’s trip to Getafe. If they are
unsuccessful it will be a test for Barcelona to be without both Messi
and the man who has replaced him so brilliantly in the last week.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-29124756523936176552013-12-13T13:03:00.001-08:002013-12-13T13:03:40.511-08:00Moyes manage Friday the 13th blossom with United harpoon to miss EIGHT games due to ham wrong- Van Persie out for a month!<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has been ruled out of action for a month with a thigh strain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Dutchman suffered the injury taking the corner that led to United's
winner against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night and will not play again
until the New Year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
news is a hammer blow to David Moyes as he tries to avoid United's
third straight Premier League defeat in 11 years at Aston Villa on
Sunday.</span><br />
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<img alt="Plenty of time for these: Robin van Persie was seen picking up a takeaway in Alderley Edge on Thursday" class="blkBorder" height="685" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523183-1A0F716200000578-57_634x685.jpg" width="634" />
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Plenty of time for these: Robin van Persie was seen picking up a takeaway in Alderley Edge on Thursday</div>
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<img alt="Quick dash: Van Persie returns to his car after picking up some lunch in the small Cheshire village" class="blkBorder" height="446" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523183-1A0F75EC00000578-227_634x446.jpg" width="634" />
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Quick dash: Van Persie returns to his car after picking up some lunch in the small Cheshire village</div>
</div>
</div>
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<img alt="Out: Dutchman van Persie has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a thigh injury" class="blkBorder" height="397" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523183-1A0350C200000578-363_634x397.jpg" width="634" />
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Out: Dutchman van Persie has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a thigh injury</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="floatRHS art-ins sport">
<h3 class="wocc">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">THE EIGHT GAMES VAN PERSIE COLD MISS</span></h3>
<div class="ins cleared xolcc bdrcc">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Aston Villa (A), Dec 15, Premier League</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Stoke (A), Dec 18, League Cup</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West Ham (H), Dec 21, Premier League</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Hull (A), Dec 26, Premier League</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Norwich (A), Dec 28, Premier League</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Tottenham (H), Jan 1, Premier League</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Swansea (H), Jan 5, FA Cup</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Swansea (H), Jan 11, Premier League</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Van Persie, who has already been out with groin and toe injuries this season, could miss another seven games.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Moyes said: 'Robin Van Persie is out for a month.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner kick which led to the goal.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Moyes
added: 'It is unfortunate because I think if you look at our record
with Wayne Rooney and Robin in the team it is actually very good and we
have not had them for quite a period recently.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Marouane Fellaini has a bit of a back injury.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Michael Carrick is missing and Robin is going to miss four weeks with a thigh strain. That is a big blow to us.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">With
Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Chris Smalling also sidelined for the
Shakhtar game, and his side suffering back-to-back Premier League
defeats against Everton and Newcastle, it must feel as though Moyes is
having no luck at present.</span><br />
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David Moyes in or out: Fans have their say
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<img alt="Tough going: The news is a blow for David Moyes ahead of the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday" class="blkBorder" height="450" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523183-19EF244700000578-378_634x450.jpg" width="634" />
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Tough going: The news is a blow for David Moyes ahead of the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">However, he said: 'I have no doubt it will get better.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I am sure we have plenty of players
who can cover it and we don't miss them too much.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">At least Moyes does
have alternatives to Van Persie.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">In midfield his squad has been left
bereft by the absence of Carrick, who has been sidelined for a month
with an Achilles injury.</span><br />
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<img alt="Off the bench: Van Persie (left) came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday" class="blkBorder" height="434" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523183-1A033A9D00000578-134_634x434.jpg" width="634" />
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Off the bench: Van Persie (left) came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I do (feel United have felt Carrick's loss),' said Moyes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We need him for his creativity. We have missed him for lots of other reasons as well. It is important.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We were looking for a couple of midfield players in the summer. We weren't able to get two. We got one.</span><br />
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<img alt="Big miss: United midfielder Michael Carrick has been out with an achilles injury for more than a month" class="blkBorder" height="528" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523183-18EF7BAC00000578-355_634x528.jpg" width="634" />
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Big miss: United midfielder Michael Carrick has been out with an achilles injury for more than a month</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We needed one who could give us something else if we did get an injury to Michael or one who could have played with him.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We have definitely been a little bit short in that area.<br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Hopefully he is not too far away and he will be back in a couple of weeks.'</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-4007235007318393822013-12-13T12:58:00.000-08:002013-12-13T12:58:12.343-08:00Cavani's move to Chelsea isn't useless, Porto slap £40m tag on United goal Mangala and Liverpool could beat City to Feyenoord wonderkid Kongolo<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Porto will demand £40million for defender Eliaquim Mangala should Manchester United follow up their interest with a bid.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manager
David Moyes was in the stands at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on
Wednesday night with Jimmy Lumsden and United's Andalucian-based scout
as Atletico Madrid ensured Porto were knocked out of the Champions
League.</span><br />
<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="Heading for England? Porto's Eliaquim Mangala was watched by David Moyes in the clash with Atletico Madrid" class="blkBorder" height="430" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-0-1A09D4B500000578-572_634x430.jpg" width="634" />
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Heading for England? Porto's Eliaquim Mangala was watched by David Moyes in the clash with Atletico Madrid</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The lack of Champions League
money will apply pressure to Porto to find funds elsewhere and Mangala
and team mates Fernando, Jackson Martinez and Alex Sandro are the
natural candidates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Intermediaries
are understood to have already enquired on behalf of Manchester City
for Mangala but City are conscious of overspending particularly with
financial fair play rules still to be maintained.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Bids
will no doubt be made under the release clause of £40m but the
22-year-old French defender's release will still be expensive.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">United
have been busy this week scouring Europe as they head into a crucial
part of the season. They were represented at Austria Vienna v Zenit and
Benfica v Paris St Germain as they continue to weigh up targets for
centre midfield, attack and defence.</span><br />
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Star turn: Mangala has impressed at centre back this season and has attracted some attention </div>
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<img alt="Another target: Southampton's Luke Shaw has been hotly tipped to join Chelsea at some point " class="blkBorder" height="461" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-19EFFA0800000578-688_634x461.jpg" width="634" />
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Another target: Southampton's Luke Shaw has been hotly tipped to join Chelsea at some point </div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Southampton's Luke Shaw remains a candidate. <i>Sportsmail </i>reported
last month that the 18-year-old is a target for Chelsea also as they
weigh up replacements for Ashley Cole. Southampton do not want to sell
in January and would prefer to keep him for another year but that may
change in the summer should bids go beyond £25million.</span><br />
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<img alt="Necessity: David Moyes knows he needs new recruits after a disappointing start to the season" class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-1A0351BE00000578-545_634x423.jpg" width="634" />
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Necessity: David Moyes knows he needs new recruits after a disappointing start to the season</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Edinson
Cavani could be a surprise departure from Paris St Germain in January.
The Uruguayan is keen on a move to the Premier League despite making his
move to France a relative success. Chelsea are maintaining interest
following their failed bid to buy him in the summer while Manchester
United will monitor developments. He wouldnt be cheap of course with PSG
having spent £54.3million on the 26-year-old.</span><br />
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<img alt="Lethal: Edinson Cavani has proved his worth since leaving Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain last summer " class="blkBorder" height="432" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-0-1A030BC200000578-561_634x432.jpg" width="634" />
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Lethal: Edinson Cavani has proved his worth since leaving Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain last summer </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The future of Everton striker Nikica
Jelavic is continuing to occupy the thinking of Premier League and
Championship clubs alike.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Queens
Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is keen to take the Croatian if he
can be convinced of stepping down a division ahead of the World Cup
while West Ham, Crystal Palace, Hull, Stoke and Cardiff have all made
enquiries.</span><br />
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<img alt="In the balance: Nikica Jelavic is out of favour at Everton since the arrival of Romelu Lukaku " class="blkBorder" height="445" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-16CC33F9000005DC-731_634x445.jpg" width="634" />
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In the balance: Nikica Jelavic is out of favour at Everton since the arrival of Romelu Lukaku </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West Ham want to take him on loan but Everton won't contemplate that without getting a striker of their own in first.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Everton
were among clubs present at Austria Vienna v Zenit St Petersburg on
Wednesday where Vienna striker Philipp Hosiner scored twice as they beat
Zenit 4-1.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Liverpool have not given up the fight for Feyenoord's young midfielder Rodney Kongolo.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester
City were widely expected to have agreed a deal for the 16-year-old by
now after leading the chase for the past six months. However, Liverpool
remain in talks with the player's agent in a bid to sign him next month.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The sticking point for agreement is understood to have been wages, with the player's camp looking for around £6,000 per week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Kongolo,
who has two brothers, Holland U21 international defender Terence, 19,
and nine year old academy prospect Fidel, is shaping up to become a top
defensive midfielder with the physique to match. He can also play in
defence and has drawn comparisons to Patrick Vieira.</span><br />
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<img alt="Strengthening: Brendan Rodgers could pip Manchester City to the Feyenoord youngster Rodney Kongolo" class="blkBorder" height="370" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-1A150D8B00000578-66_634x370.jpg" width="634" />
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Strengthening: Brendan Rodgers could pip Manchester City to the Feyenoord youngster Rodney Kongolo</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">City are on the trail
of another youngster Keita Balde Diao who has already broken into
Lazio's first team. Keita, 18, is a former Barcelona trainee who was
sent out on loan from the club as punishment for putting an ice cube
into another player's bed while on a trip to Qatar. He then scored 47
goals in one season for the club, Cornella.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">A year later Lazio paid £270,000 for him and he is now attracting scouts from all of Europe's top sides again.</span><br />
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In the hunt: 18-year-old Keita Balde Diao is being tracked by Manchester City </div>
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<img alt="Licence to thrill: Lazio starlet Keita celebrates after netting against Napoli earlier this month " class="blkBorder" height="440" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-19CA86A000000578-661_634x440.jpg" width="634" />
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Licence to thrill: Lazio starlet Keita celebrates after netting against Napoli earlier this month </div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Meanwhile, the agent of
Swedish prospect Valmir Berisha admits a decision over the Halmstads
striker's future will soon be made. The 17 year-old has offers from
Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Sunderland and Arsenal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Agent
Anders Karlsson said: 'We have a priority list of clubs, we have full
control of the situation. The arrival of new clubs is happening all the
time. But the decision is close. How close? I cannot say for hours or
days or so. But it can be done very soon, that's all I can say in the
current situation.'</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Newcastle defender Steven Taylor could be a target for Premier League rivals in the January window. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Taylor
has not played since being sent off in the 4-0 defeat by Manchester
City in August and also picked up a niggling injury. However, the
27-year-old is being considered as a possible loan option with Crystal
Palace among clubs in the market for defenders.</span><br />
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Out of favour: Steven Taylor hasn't played for Newcastle since receiving a red card against Manchester City </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Newcastle are in talks
with clubs to try and sign a striker imminently. They have asked again
about Stoke City target Luuk de Jong but are continuing to look at
options in France and in Turkey. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Sporting Lisbon's Diego Capel is another possibility as they weigh up various wingers including Aiden McGeady at Spartak Moscow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Chinese side Beijing Guoan are
looking at Premier League players as they look to strengthen their
league again in January. Although currently third in the CSL table
behind Guanzhou Evergrande and Shandong Luneng, they are willing to
offer deals of around £2million a year tax free for big names to make
the switch to China and raise the league's profile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Wigan manager Uwe Rosler is
considering a bid to take George Saville on loan from Chelsea. The
20-year-old midfielder played for Rosler at Brentford where he is
currently on loan but Chelsea like the idea of him playing at a higher
level. </span><br />
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<img alt="Rising star: George Saville (right) currently plays on loan from Chelsea at Brentford " class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-0-19EF883900000578-190_634x423.jpg" width="634" />
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Rising star: George Saville (right) currently plays on loan from Chelsea at Brentford </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Bournemouth assistant manager Jason
Tindall was among spectators at Cobham training centre watching Chelsea
U19s beat Steaua Bucharest 5-0 on Tuesday. Scottish striker Islam Feruz
scored twice, John Swift, Alex Kiwomya and Ambrose Gnahore added the
others. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Tindall is
weighing up potential loan moves for next month with Chelsea keen for
their young players to gain more experience. Former Fulham coach Billy
McKinlay was also watching as he stays prepared ahead of his next
coaching appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Chelsea scouts were present at
Marseille against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night. Local reports
linked Chelsea with Florian Thauvin who Newcastle and Arsenal were keen
on last year, however, Chelsea are maintaining interest in Marseille's
Giannelli Imbula. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Defensive
midfield is a position they want to strengthen as recognised by Rafa
Benitez last year. Nemanja Matic of Benfica is their ideal recruit but
Imbula, at 21, is a younger model and could be bought for around £5m to
£8m less. Arsenal have also monitored his progress since he broke into
Guingamp first team as a 17-year-old in 2009.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Fredy
Guarin at Inter Milan has also been offered to Chelsea, Tottenham,
Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United. Privately, David Moyes
does not think Guarin is for him and is looking at other alternatives.</span><br />
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<img alt="Highly rated: Marseille's Florian Thauvin (right) was watched by Chelsea's Jose Mourinho " class="blkBorder" height="474" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-1A09B56F00000578-1000_634x474.jpg" width="634" />
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Highly rated: Marseille's Florian Thauvin (right) was watched by Chelsea's Jose Mourinho </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Inter want a striker
but are struggling to raise funds and are looking at various swaps and
sales that could involve Guarin going the other way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">City's
Edin Dzeko, Chelsea's Demba Ba, United's Javier Hernandez and
Southampton's Pablo Osvaldo are all on their wish-list. They remain keen
also on a loan for City's Stevan Jovetic but City are not so keen.</span><br />
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<img alt="Hands up if you want me: Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin has been offered to a number of English clubs" class="blkBorder" height="514" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-19C2476B00000578-793_634x514.jpg" width="634" />
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Hands up if you want me: Inter Milan star Fredy Guarin has been offered to a number of English clubs</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Centre-back Andrea
Ranocchia is another attractive option they are willing to sell for the
right price as is Ishak Belfodil, their 6ft 3ins, 21-year-old Algerian
striker, who has been offered to Fulham.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Fulham
expect offers for Dimitar Berbatov although a return to Tottenham is
unlikely considering his age at 32. Anderlecht are also keen on Fulham's
Bryan Ruiz but may struggle to afford him.</span><br />
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<img alt="Another option: Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia (left) could be up for grabs for the right price " class="blkBorder" height="522" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-19F743EE00000578-416_634x522.jpg" width="634" />
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Another option: Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia (left) could be up for grabs for the right price </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given is
in demand as he shakes off the rust at Middlesbrough. The Republic of
Ireland international has impressed three games into his loan spell and
that has brought attention from Swansea and Southampton as they look to
strengthen their goalkeeping options following respective injuries to
Michel Vorm and Artur Boruc. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Sunderland
have spoken to QPR about Julio Cesar but he is also the subject of
enquiries from elsewhere. Cesar's concern is that if he leaves he wants
to play regularly as a number one.</span><br />
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In demand: Shay Given has impressed so far while at Middlesbrough </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster is
another being mentioned south of the border but The Scottish champions'
asking price of £10m limits his options.</span><br />
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Attracting attention: England and Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster has dazzled this season </div>
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<h3 class="wocc">
<b>WICKED WHISPER</b></h3>
<div class="ins cleared xolcc bdrcc">
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Which
Championship manager was turned away from a seaside resort bar renowned
for its transvestite clientele?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> Some of his players had already gone
in to the bar as they looked to add some exotic variety to their night
out but took great delight when door staff refused to allow their older
boss through the doors - despite his protests.</span> </i> </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Swansea are taking a close look at
Hungarian defender Akos Baki. The 19-year-old from MTK will train with
the club during Hungary's winter break. He said: 'The English league is
both physically and mentally perfect and professionally it is a huge
step forward for me to work at a Premier League team.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'This
gives you a good dose of self-confidence as well, as you know it will
take a lot of talent for someone to be successful internationally.'</span><br />
<div class="pageBreak">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Cardiff City scout Tommy Johnson was
at Celtic's game with Motherwell last Friday before watching Dundee
United against Hearts. Cardiff want a striker, a midfielder and a
left-back, however, Malky Mackay is not keen on a return for Joe Ledley
despite the speculation. Dundee United's Ryan Gauld, John Souttar and
Andy Robertson were watched again.</span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West Bromwich Albion are looking to
raise funds by moving on some of their fringe players. Manager Steve
Clarke is looking for a striker and a left-back but are understood to be
willing to listen to offers for Markus Rosenberg, Nicolas Anelka, Diego
Lugano and Graham Dorrans. </span><br />
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<img alt="Fringe character: West Brom defender Diego Lugano could be on the move from the Midlands club" class="blkBorder" height="583" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523124-19F0030B00000578-633_634x583.jpg" width="634" />
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Fringe character: West Brom defender Diego Lugano could be on the move from the Midlands club</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Accrington Stanley have confirmed
that 16-year-old winger Connor Mahoney has joined Blackburn Rovers.
Mahoney has made six appearances for Stanley this season and a
compensation package has been agreed between the two teams under the
terms of the Elite Player Performance Plan, understood to be around
£100,000. Accrington may yet bring Mahoney back on loan.</span><br />
<div class="pageBreak">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Leeds have signed American Gboly
Ariyibi, 18, formerly of Southampton, on a short-term deal until the end
of the season. Manager Brian McDermott will hold talks with striker El
Hadji Diouf over his future in the next few weeks.</span><br />
<div class="pageBreak">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Former Portsmouth striker James Keene
has signed for Israel's Bnei Yehuda from Sweden's IF Elfsborg. The
27-year-old has signed an 18 month deal with Bnei Yehuda.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-17457696936452051562013-12-13T12:54:00.000-08:002013-12-13T12:54:35.779-08:00When I observe at Man City I signior't envy them, stat Arsenal boss Wenger forthright of title showdown<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsene Wenger insists he does not envy
Manchester City's strong squad and believes he has more creative
players at his disposal than counterpart Manuel Pellegrini.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsenal
travel to the Etihad stadium on Saturday and Wenger believes his own
squad is capable of extending their lead at the top of the Premier
League table against Pellegrini's side.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'City has a strong squad, I don't deny that but when I look at my squad I don't envy them,' said Wenger. </span><br />
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All smiles: Santi Cazorla (left) and Jack Wilshere share a joke ahead of Arsenal's visit to Manchester City</div>
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<img alt="Pals: Wilshere, Per Mertesacker (centre) and Aaron Ramsey chat after Friday's training session" class="blkBorder" height="412" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523064-1A1511BE00000578-415_634x412.jpg" width="634" />
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Pals: Wilshere, Per Mertesacker (centre) and Aaron Ramsey chat after Friday's training session</div>
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Midfield mates: Summer signings Mesut Ozil (left) and Mathieu Flamini pose for a photo together</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">We have more creative players and we are more versatile. It's easier for me to rotate.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Frenchman also claimed Manchester City face ‘negative pressure’ at the Etihad ahead of Saturday's showdown.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Despite
City’s exceptional home record - they have won their last five games at
the Etihad - Arsenal’s manager claims Manuel Pellegrini is under huge
pressure.</span><br />
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<img alt="Bromance: Cazorla looks pleased as he shares a hug with Arsenal's Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski" class="blkBorder" height="433" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523064-1A1511C200000578-231_634x433.jpg" width="634" />
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Bromance: Cazorla looks pleased as he shares a hug with Arsenal's Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski</div>
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<img alt="Confident: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (right) clenches his fist at the camera as Emiliano Viviano looks on" class="blkBorder" height="475" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523064-1A1510FE00000578-790_634x475.jpg" width="634" />
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Confident: Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (right) clenches his fist at the camera as Emiliano Viviano looks on</div>
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<img alt="Serious chat: Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny speaks with manager Arsene Wenger" class="blkBorder" height="410" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523064-1A15148A00000578-794_634x410.jpg" width="634" />
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Serious chat: Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny speaks with manager Arsene Wenger </div>
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High spirits: Giroud jokes around and pulls a funny face as Arsenal train in front of the cameras</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">City will be nine points behind the Barclays Premier League leaders if Arsenal pull off a shock on Saturday lunchtime.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘Let’s not forget if City lose they
are nine points behind, so they have negative pressure. We have positive
pressure,' said Wenger.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We want to do well, we have a cushion, we are not under massive pressure.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We have an opportunity to show we are a good team and that’s an opportunity we want to take.</span><br />
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<img alt="European trip: Arsenal travel to Manchester City following their 2-0 defeat away at Napoli on Wednesday" class="blkBorder" height="415" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523064-1A09FFD200000578-335_634x415.jpg" width="634" />
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European trip: Arsenal travel to Manchester City following their 2-0 defeat away at Napoli on Wednesday</div>
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<img alt="On target: Negredo is swarmed after his goal in what's become a familiar scene for the goal-hungry side" class="blkBorder" height="389" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/01/article-2515640-19C29D3D00000578-417_634x389.jpg" width="634" /> <br /><div class="imageCaption">
Home run: Man City have scored twenty-five goals in their last five Premier League games at the Etihad</div>
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<img alt="Making a point: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger (far right) insists he doesn't envy the Manchester City squad" class="blkBorder" height="405" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523064-1A09C4B500000578-425_634x405.jpg" width="634" />
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Making a point: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger (far right) insists he doesn't envy the Manchester City squad</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘This
is the next test and it’s a game where we can make a difference and
what we want to do is to be ourselves with our quality, spirit and
attitude and we want to get a result.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘I
have been questioned so many times about our defence, but we like to
score goals and go forward. But Man City can do that as well. Pellegrini
is an offensive manager and so am I.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We
make City believe they play away! I believe first of all we need to be
strong defensively and maybe the best way to do that is to attack and
stop them finding their flow.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We
have an opportunity to make a difference because we play first, we can
go fro five points clear to eight. That’s how we look at it.’</span><br />
<img alt="Joyous: Ozil's 80th minute goal looked to have given Arsenal all three points" class="blkBorder" height="412" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520281-19F650A900000578-658_634x412.jpg" width="634" />
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Sealed with a kiss: Mesut Ozil's summer arrival has coincided with Arsenal's excellent start to the campaign</div>
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<img alt="Turnaround: James Milner wheels away after putting City 3-2 ahead in Munich having been 2-0 down" class="blkBorder" height="444" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/10/article-2521535-1A03274A00000578-715_634x444.jpg" width="634" />
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Comeback: James Milner wheels away after putting Man City 3-2 ahead against Munich having been 2-0 down</div>
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<h3 class="wocc">
<b>WENGER ON RAY PARLOUR </b></h3>
<div class="ins cleared xolcc bdrcc">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Former
Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour revealed on Wednesday that he and his
Arsenal team-mates once drunk 35 pints in an afternoon - before going on
to win the Premier League and FA Cup double.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Asked
about Parlour's revelation, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: ‘The
physical constraints have changed over 20 years, they had more freedom
than today because the demands now are higher. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘The
spying facility of society has increased so it is more difficult to be
anonymous so the pressure on the players is more difficult than it was
under Ray Parlour’s time.’</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-71137292719243428152013-12-13T12:52:00.000-08:002013-12-13T12:52:08.387-08:00'Some strikers have fantastic several qualities... ours signior't': Mourinho take front one can't procure with Suarez and Aguero<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Jose Mourinho had admitted Chelsea
strikers Demba Ba and Fernando Torres are not in the same class as the
likes of Sergio Aguero or Luis Suarez.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Chelsea boss said: 'Some strikers, they are players with fantastic
individual qualities and can by themselves do what their team not able
to do. Our strikers do not have this kind of quality or potential. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I'm
not criticising them, because they do other jobs. The number of goals
is quite frustrating, for them as much as me, but the contribution is
good.</span><br />
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<img alt="Swipe: Jose Mourinho has not been impressed by the form of his three misfiring strikers" class="blkBorder" height="435" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-1A151AD000000578-415_634x435.jpg" width="634" />
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Swipe: Jose Mourinho has not been impressed by the form of his three misfiring strikers</div>
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Mourinho: Chelsea must not be dependent on star players
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Blues three-man strikeforce
of Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o have only managed a total
of four Premier League goals between them this season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Portuguese manager was particularly
upset by the number of chances wasted in the club's previous league game
- a 3-2 loss to Stoke City - and has vented his frustration again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'The
other guys (Aguero and Suarez) play their strengths and have super
individual qualities: dribble, shots, sharp movement. They resolve
problems. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We don't have this kind of striker and need them to do different type of work. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Do
I expect more? Yes. Do we need more? Yes. But can't expect Demba or
Fernando to get ball like Sergio Aguero or Luis Suarez, dribble past
three and score.'</span><br />
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<img alt="Goal shy: Jose Mourinho watches over Fernando Torres during a training session at Cobham" class="blkBorder" height="435" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-1A153F0A00000578-349_634x435.jpg" width="634" />
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Goal shy: Jose Mourinho watches over Fernando Torres during a training session at Cobham</div>
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<img alt="Portugeezer: Mourinho claims his Chelsea strikers are more attuned to team organisation" class="blkBorder" height="435" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-1A153BE300000578-63_634x435.jpg" width="634" />
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Portugeezer: Mourinho claims his Chelsea strikers are more attuned to team organisation</div>
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<img alt="Chelsea's striker Fernando Torres " class="blkBorder" height="440" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-18790B1B00000578-818_196x440.jpg" width="196" />
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Firing blanks: Fernando Torres</div>
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<img alt="Chelsea's Samuel Eto'o clutches two hot water bottles " class="blkBorder" height="440" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-19EF2DF900000578-504_196x440.jpg" width="196" />
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Firing blanks: Samuel Eto'o</div>
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<img alt="Demba Ba of Chelsea" class="blkBorder" height="440" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-19539EF700000578-735_196x440.jpg" width="196" />
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Firing blanks: Demba Ba</div>
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<img alt="Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring " class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-19EFDA1200000578-289_306x423.jpg" width="306" />
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<img alt="Man City's Sergio Aguero celebrates " class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523180-1B5F0F47000005DC-541_306x423.jpg" width="306" />
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Super strikers: Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero have qualities that Chelsea's strikers don't possess</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Meanwhile, Mourinho has suggested that
the squad he inherited for his second spell as Chelsea manager was not
left in good enough shape by his predecessor Rafa Benitez.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Spaniard was drafted in as 'interim' manager last season following the
sacking of Roberto Di Matteo and managed to win the Europa League,
despite failing to be accepted by the majority of Blues fans.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I
knew it would be tougher [this time]. Some managers choose easy jobs,
some tough, I choose a hard one but I enjoy it,' Mourinho told the <i>Evening Standard</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'This
is not a criticism but the last manager Benitez knew he would not be
the manager for the next year and he was chasing results. He was not
worried about the building of a team with a certain style.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I didn’t have a real base to start. For many reasons we knew the situation needs time and patience.'</span><br />
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The feud abides: Mourinho has suggested that the squad he inherited from Rafa Benitez (left) was not in good shape</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-78898853707431239512013-12-13T12:49:00.002-08:002013-12-13T12:49:41.111-08:00Moyes vows to get clammy with United slackers after blowy from legends Keane and Schmeichel <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester United</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> boss </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">David Moyes has vowed to get his players back into top form after </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">seeing his side slip down to </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">ninth in the Premier League.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Old Trafford legends Roy
Keane and Peter Schmeichel have both condemned some members of Moyes' under-performing squad in recent days.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">On Tuesday, Keane singled out Ashley
Young and Rio Ferdinand for treatment, whilst Schmeichel has claimed
some Red Devils players 'look as though they don't care'.</span><br />
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<img alt="Defiant: Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he can improve the squad" class="blkBorder" height="425" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-0-1A034DAD00000578-852_634x425.jpg" width="634" />
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Defiant: Manchester United manager David Moyes insists he can improve the squad</div>
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<img alt="'Not good enough': Ashley Young was one of the players who came under fire" class="blkBorder" height="521" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523377-1A0313DD00000578-274_634x521.jpg" width="634" />
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'Not good enough': Ashley Young was one of the players who came under fire</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It goes to the heart of a
problem that, unless it is resolved, will continue to undermine Moyes'
hopes of a successful transition from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'This squad was good enough to win the league last year,' said Moyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I need to make sure we get them back playing at that level again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I take responsibility. I always do. It is the manager's job.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I will try and make sure that from now on there are no questions about their application.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Given there have already been
concerns expressed around the United dressing room about a lack of
fight, it is unlikely Moyes is unaware of the issues Keane and
Schmeichel have raised.</span><br />
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David Moyes in or out: Fans have their say
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Premier League struggles: United have lost their two last home games to Newcastle and Everton</div>
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Moyes: Wayne Rooney may not yet have reached his peak
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<img alt="Blow: Robin van Persie has been ruled out for a month with thigh injury" class="blkBorder" height="479" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523256-1A157D4E00000578-324_634x479.jpg" width="634" />
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Blow: Robin van Persie has been ruled out for a month with thigh injury</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Indeed, privately, it would be no
surprise if he agreed with at least some of them, with Schmeichel's
status as a club ambassador giving even more weight to his comments.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Certainly it appears the clock is
ticking on a few high-profile United careers, with Moyes admitting,
ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Aston Villa, that changes are
going to be made.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We are making sure everyone has an opportunity to show the new manager exactly what they can do,' he said.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We are trying to be as fair as we can to the players who are here.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We have really good players. These
are near enough all the players who were involved last year. Hopefully
we can get them in top form.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I have a good squad. Can I improve it? Of course I can. Am I going to improve it? Yes I am.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Undoubtedly we will alter things in the coming months and transfer windows. Will they come in January? I don't know.'</span><br />
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<img alt="Positives: United have impressed in the Champions League, despite David Moyes' inexperience in Europe" class="blkBorder" height="478" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523256-1A034E0A00000578-937_634x478.jpg" width="634" />
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Positives: United have impressed in the Champions League, despite David Moyes' inexperience in Europe</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Yet Keane has not just been critical of United's players this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
In his ITV4 documentary with Patrick Vieira, the Irishman also reignited
his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson by claiming the Scot was still exerting
his influence at Old Trafford, which was perceived as undermining
Moyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
It is true Ferguson has been fairly visual in recent times, travelling
to Bayer Leverkusen recently, his first European away game since
standing down in the summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
But Moyes does not view his presence as a distraction.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'I can only tell you that in my time here Sir Alex has been fantastic towards me,' said Moyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'He has been helpful.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">
'Anytime I need something I can go to him. He has been very good.'</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-35017954672066785632013-12-13T12:44:00.000-08:002013-12-13T12:44:18.745-08:00Spurs passion at shorten ticket allocation for press FA Cup conflict with emulate Arsenal<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Tottenham and Arsenal are involved in
a bitter dispute after Andre Villas-Boas’ side were given just over
5,000 tickets for their FA Cup third round tie at the Emirates.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Furious
Spurs officials have been forced to explain to their supporters why
Arsenal are refusing to give the 15 per cent they are normally entitled
to under FA Cup ticketing policy.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Tottenham
are livid with Arsenal’s decision to grant them just 5,186 tickets -
which equates to just 8.64 per cent of the stadium capacity at the
Emirates. </span><br />
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<img alt="One-up: Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Tottenham when they met in September" class="blkBorder" height="422" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523269-1B91B1D3000005DC-940_634x422.jpg" width="634" />
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One-up: Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Tottenham when they met in September</div>
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<img alt="Crowd pleaser: Lewis Holtby marks his goal on Wednesday against Anzhi Makhachkala with a swan dive" class="blkBorder" height="407" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523269-1A14281800000578-340_634x407.jpg" width="634" />
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Crowd pleaser: Lewis Holtby marks his goal on Wednesday against Anzhi Makhachkala with a swan dive</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsenal claim it is a security issue,
but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already hit back in a tit-for-tat row
between the north London clubs.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Levy has informed Arsenal that in
the event of a replay at White Hart Lane, Spurs will reciprocate and
only give Arsene Wenger’s side 3,110 tickets.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">A Tottenham spokesman
said: ‘The the security issues cited related to safety in the Upper
Tier, we subsequently requested an extended allocation in the Lower
Tier. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We have been informed that this is also not possible due to segregation and safety issues.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘We
appreciate that this will mean that many of our supporters will not be
able to attend this fixture, but unfortunately the host club has stated
it is impossible to increase the allocation offered to us for this
fixture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">In the event of a replay taking place at White Hart Lane,
Arsenal will be provided with a reduced allocation equivalent to the
percentage that we have received at the Emirates Stadium.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘Please note that following a rule change the pricing for FA Cup games is set exclusively by the home club.’</span><br />
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Keep out: Only 5,186 tickets will be allocated for Spurs fans when they visit the Emirates for the FA Cup</div>
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<img alt="Tit-for-tat: Spurs have stated that if there's a replay, Arsenal fans will get the same allocation at White Hart Lane" class="blkBorder" height="382" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/13/article-2523269-191677C600000578-722_634x382.jpg" width="634" />
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Tit-for-tat: Spurs have stated that if there's a replay, Arsenal fans will get the same allocation at White Hart Lane</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-12839110237126875962013-12-11T14:39:00.000-08:002013-12-11T14:39:00.209-08:00Pellegrini's Munich bull is a scandalous cock-up that could cost Man City millions and millions', fumes original youth Hamann<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Former Manchester City midfielder
Dietmar Hamann has described Manuel Pellegrini's Munich gaffe as
'scandalous' 'cock-up' that 'could cost the club millions and millions
of pounds.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester City's Chilean manager, who has also been heavily criticised by ex-Liverpool boss Graeme Souness, failed to
realise that one more goal against Bayern Munich would have seen the
English club finish top of Champions League Group D... and they had a
full 28 minutes to try to score it!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">James
Milner scored in the 62nd minute to put City 3-2 up at the Allianz
Arena, leaving Pellegrini's side requiring a solitary goal to </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">leapfrog the Germans at the top of the group thanks to a superior head-to-head record.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">A 4-2 result City would have seen them avoid the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the knockout stages. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Leading
goalscorer Sergio Aguero was left sitting on the bench as Pellegrini
waited until the 88th minute to make his final substitution, replacing
striker Edin Dzeko with midfielder Jack Rodwell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Hamann, 44, speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, said: </span>'<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It’s a cock up. It shouldn’t have happened. The whole of the City coaching
staff haven’t bathed themselves in any glory</span><br />
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PELLEGRINI POST-MATCH INTERVIEW</h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.4em;"><b>SKY SPORTS:</b> <i>You're
3-2 up, you've got quite a bit of time to get this goal which would
have topped the group, were you not tempted to put on (Sergio) Aguero,
your best striker?</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 1.4em;"><b>PELLEGRINI:</b> <i>I
was tempted if we scored the fourth goal of course, that's why I sent
out Aguero to warm up but also I think that it was a risk to continue
with (David) Silva, he can't play more than 70 minutes. </i></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Bayern
Munich earned £60million odd by winning the Champions League. Winning the
last-16 or going out will cost millions and millions of pounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">If Man City had won the
group they would have faced Basel, Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen,
Olympiakos, Zenit St Petersburg or Porto and, with no disrespect to
those teams, they would have had a bye into the quarter-finals. As it
happens, there is a big question mark over whether they will be there.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'It’s a great win for them (Man City) but
another goal would have made a huge difference. City will now face Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid or PSG,
if Chelsea and Arsenal win their groups.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Hamann,
who also played for Bayern Munich, Newcastle and Liverpool, added that
Pellegrini's backroom team should 'houlder some of the blame.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I’m sorry Mr
Pellegrini, but a manager is only as good as his backroom staff</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">,' he told talkSPORT host Colin Murray.</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'He must
have had nine people behind him and for none of them to know and make
him aware that another goal would have put them top is ridiculous. It’s
scandalous.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Players can’t tap on the manager’s shoulder and say: "Listen gaffer you’ve got to bring Aguero on because if we get one more
goal, we’ll win the group". One of the coaches have to do that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Souness,
working as a pundit on Sky Sports, was equally critical. He said: ‘I’m
not sure he’s understanding the goal difference here. It has to be the
strangest substitution this season in taking off Dzeko, a centre
forward, and putting on Rodwell, who at best is an attacking midfielder.</span><br />
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Confusion: Pellegrini said he was tempted to bring Aguero on if City scored the fourth, but they only needed one</div>
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Mishap: Pellegrini brought off Edin Dzeko in the closing stages and brought on Jack Rodwell</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I would suggest that they've not
spoken about it and he wasn't aware. Maybe the guys he's sitting with on
the bench, Brian Kidd and his other coach, had not spoken about it and
weren't aware that 4-2 gets them through.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'When
he says (in his post-match interview), 'if we'd got another goal, I'd
told Aguero to warm up', it tells you he's thinking he needs to get
five. It was one of the strangest substitutions I've seen in a long
time.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Pellegrini admitted that he would only
have put on Aguero if City had made it 4-2. </span><br />
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Man City could have gone through with another goal, based on their head-to-head record against Bayern</div>
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<img alt="Second place: Pellegrini said it 'was difficult to score two goals' with the score at 3-2, but City only one goal" class="blkBorder" height="422" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/10/article-0-1A03528E00000578-605_634x422.jpg" width="634" />
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Second place: Pellegrini said it 'was difficult to score two goals' with the score at 3-2, but City only one</div>
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<img alt="Turnaround: James Milner wheels away after putting City 3-2 ahead in Munich having been 2-0 down" class="blkBorder" height="454" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/10/article-0-1A03274A00000578-733_634x454.jpg" width="634" />
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Turnaround: James Milner wheels away after putting City 3-2 ahead in Munich having been 2-0 down</div>
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<b>TEAMS CITY COULD NOW FACE</b></h3>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Real Madrid</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Paris Saint-Germain</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Atletico Madrid</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Barcelona/AC Milan</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Borussia Dortmund</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Basel</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘Maybe if we had scored a
fourth goal I would have made the change,’ said the confused Chilean
coach. ‘It was important to be first in the group but not the most
important.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘Arsenal on Sunday was a priority above this game. I said it was very difficult to win by three goals.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">James Milner, who scored the winning
goal with 28 minutes left, said: ‘We’re slightly disappointed we did
not finish top of the group. </span><br />
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<img alt="No holding back: Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness" class="blkBorder" height="260" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2521634-122BA27F000005DC-364_306x260.jpg" width="306" />
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No holding back: Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We didn’t know if 4-2 would be enough or if
we would need 5-2. We thought it needed to be 5-2 to be honest.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Sky Sports analysts Souness,
Glenn Hoddle and <span style="font-style: italic;">Sportsmail </span>columnist Jamie Carragher were all left baffled by Pellegrini’s decision. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Hoddle added: ‘Does he understand that 4-2 puts him through (as group leaders). ‘There’s no urgency to make a substitution.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Carragher said: ‘He must know he can’t
play any English team and the ones left — Barcelona, Real Madrid, maybe
Atletico Madrid — could be massive.’</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Pep Guardiola said: 'I would like to
congratulate Man C for this great victory. It is never good to lose
again but maybe this club the manager and the team sometimes we need a
defeat because we always win everything, in the Bundesliga, in Europe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We
have started very well in the Bundesliga in the cup, we won in
Manchester. You always think everything is easy, but Europe is very
difficult so maybe it is good for us for Maracech next Saturday.</span><br />
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Mishap: Pellegrini brought off Edin Dzeko in the closing stages and brought on Jack Rodwell</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We
played really well in the first 30 minutes. Then first ten mins in
second half Manchester City were better than us. In general we are
satisfied for Bayern.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I
hope we can see how difficult it is playing in Europe, sometimes things
like this happen and we have to understand and learn our lessons from
this. We have to understand how difficult it is to win all the time, so
we are ready for the knockout stages.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We
have got to realise we can also lose. We are a great team, a super team
but we can also lose, because the other teams are good.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'They
started really well, they were really focussed. But if you are not in
control of the game... the passes between our players were not good, we
must use the ball better and do something with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Manchester City are not a bad team, you cannot score against them with just 2-3 touches.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'They
shot 4 times on our go, in the first 15 minutes of the second half they
were better than us, just that little period, maybe we were level for
the last 15 of the first half. The rest of the time we were better.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME IT'S HAPPENED TO CITY... REWIND TO 1996</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">A similar incident resulted in Manchester City's relegation in the 1995-96 season, with Alan Ball in charge at Maine Road.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Battling
against relegation and playing Liverpool on the final day of the
season, City conceded two own-goals before drawing level through Uwe
Rosler and Kit Symons.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">World Cup winner Ball knew his side
needed to do better than Southampton and Coventry to survive - so when
he got word that Wimbledon were beating Saints late on he instructed
City to play out time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Steve
Lomas was playing keep ball near the corner flag when the recently
substituted Niall Quinn ran out of the tunnel to tell his team-mates
otherwise - Wimbledon were not winning. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
it was too late to find a winner, and City were relegated. Ball (below) left
the club three games into the following season in Division One.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GERARD BRAND</span></span></div>
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<img alt="Relegated: The then-Manchester City boss Alan Ball believed a draw would keep his team up, but the information given to him was incorrect" class="blkBorder" height="489" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/10/article-2521634-002FE80100000258-456_622x489.jpg" width="622" />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-55919099854582309772013-12-11T14:27:00.000-08:002013-12-11T14:33:03.074-08:00Napoli 2 Arsenal 0: Higuain and Callejon sink 10-mankind Gunners to bestow them help below Dortmund<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">This is not the way Arsene Wenger
would have wanted it, but Arsenal have done it. They are through to the
knockout stages on a night of drama.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Even
when Arsenal threatened to lose their grip on this game after Mikel
Arteta’s dismissal 15 minutes from time, they somehow held out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">They lived dangerously at times and were reduced to 10 men two minutes after Gonzalo Higuain had put Napoli in front.</span><br />
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Distraught: Napoli goalscorer Gonzalo Higuain (left) shed a few tears after the final whistle</div>
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<img alt="Pick that one out: Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after opening the scoring with little under 20 minutes to play" class="blkBorder" height="498" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09F3ED00000578-800_634x498.jpg" width="634" />
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Pick that one out: Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after opening the scoring with little under 20 minutes to play</div>
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<b>Match facts</b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Napoli:</span> Barbosa, Maggio, Armero, Behrami, Fernandez, Albiol, Mertens, Dzemaili, Higuain, Pandev (Insigne 57), Callejon</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Subs not used: Uvini, Britos, Colombo, Cannavaro, Inler, Zapata</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Booked</b>: Mertens, Dzemaili, Fernandez </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Goal</b>: Higuain 73, Callejon 90</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Arsenal</b>: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Arteta, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Rosicky (Monreal 74), Flamini, Giroud, Ozil, Cazorla (Ramsey 67)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Subs not used: Vermaelen, Wilshere, Walcott, Monreal, Fabianski, Bendtner</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Booked</b>: Arteta, Giroud, Ramsey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Sent off</b>: Arteta 76</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Referee</b>: Viktor Kassai</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Attendance</b>: 47,000</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arteta was sent off for a second booking, a needless challenge that means he will miss their next game in the Champions League.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">At
least they are still in it, though they must have had the jitters after
Jose Callejon was played through and lifted the ball over the onrushing
Wojciech Szczesny in added time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">A
third Napoli goal would have put Arsenal out but luckily for Arsene
Wenger’s nerves, the referee blew the final whistle immediately after
the restart.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsenal will
be bruised after this defeat, particularly after they played with such
composure until Higuain seized on his first real chance of the game in
the 73rd minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It wasn’t
enough, it was never going to be, but it reminded Arsenal of the
dangers ahead. They cannot be this haphazard in the next phase.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">At
times they escaped and they did eventually crack, but that’s the way it
works in the Champions League: hold your nerve and you will be in the
hat for the next round.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Stadio San Paolo is one of the great European football stadiums, a vast
concrete bowl without a hint of corporate greed or extravagance in
sight. It’s all so raw, with giant Neapolitan flags waving behind each
goal and their hysterical fans whistling whenever Arsenal took a touch.</span><br />
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<img alt="Tormentor: Higuain almost signed for Arsenal in the summer, but netted a neat finish to send them 1-0 down" class="blkBorder" height="447" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09FDBC00000578-277_634x447.jpg" width="634" />
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Tormentor: Higuain almost signed for Arsenal in the summer, but netted a neat finish to send them 1-0 down</div>
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<img alt="Scramble: Per Mertesacker (left) and Mathieu Flamini are left flailing as Higuain aims for goal" class="blkBorder" height="467" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09F05400000578-714_634x467.jpg" width="634" />
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Scramble: Per Mertesacker (left) and Mathieu Flamini are left flailing as Higuain aims for goal</div>
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<img alt="Pulling the trigger: Higuain aims for Wojciech Szczesny's bottom-left corner to score the opener " class="blkBorder" height="415" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09F06600000578-887_634x415.jpg" width="634" />
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Pulling the trigger: Higuain aims for Wojciech Szczesny's bottom-left corner to score the opener </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Wenger’s
team wound them up, sending Napoli’s fans into a frenzy by repeatedly
passing the ball back to the feet of Szczesny. It was stirring stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">These
were highly unusual tactics for Arsenal but hugely effective, taking
the sting out of the occasion as they searched for some rhythm in this
final group game.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Wenger
promised that his team would attack as they targeted 15 points and first
place in this toughest of sections. But at times his players seemed
uncertain of their role, a rare phenomenon for a team that traditionally
only knows one way to play.</span><br />
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<img alt="Touch of class: Lorenzo Insigne (No 24) found Callejon (No 7) who lifted the ball over Szczesny" class="blkBorder" height="407" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A0A233100000578-124_634x407.jpg" width="634" />
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Touch of class: Lorenzo Insigne (No 24) found Callejon (No 7) who lifted the ball over Szczesny</div>
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<img alt="Dejected: Callejon drops to his knees after realising the victory over Arsenal wasn't enough " class="blkBorder" height="476" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A0A0FA400000578-858_306x476.jpg" width="306" />
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Juxtaposition: Moments after urging on his
team-mates to make it 3-0 (right) Callejon drops to his knees after
realising his side's fine performance was not enough to send Napoli into
the knock-out </div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Per
Mertesacker was the outstanding figure in the Arsenal team, rising to
the occasion with another towering performance. He made two crucial
interceptions, calculating perfectly before sliding into the ball to
clear the danger.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">When he
fooled Callejon by dipping his shoulder and casually laying the ball off
to a nearby team-mate, you knew this was going to be his night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Even
when he was stranded because of an unusual mistake by Kieran Gibbs down
the left, he was alert enough to stand his ground in the centre of the
defence as Goran Pandev shot straight at Szczesny. </span><br />
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<img alt="Marching orders: Mikel Arteta was sent off after picking up two needless bookings " class="blkBorder" height="804" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A0A00D800000578-605_634x804.jpg" width="634" />
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Marching orders: Mikel Arteta was sent off after picking up two needless bookings </div>
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<img alt="Frustration: Olivier Giroud reacts after Arsenal spurn a chance during the early stages of the game " class="blkBorder" height="451" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A099A3900000578-284_634x451.jpg" width="634" />
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Frustration: Olivier Giroud reacts after Arsenal spurn a chance during the early stages of the game </div>
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<img alt="Up for it: Valon Behrami beats Mesut Ozil to the punch in the final group game in Naples " class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09CD8900000578-838_634x423.jpg" width="634" />
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Up for it: Valon Behrami beats Mesut Ozil to the punch in the final group game in Naples </div>
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<img alt="Close call: Napoli are the first team ever to go out of the group stages with 12 points" class="blkBorder" height="275" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A0A0C8000000578-639_634x275.jpg" width="634" />
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Close call: Napoli are the first team ever to go out of the group stages with 12 points</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Gibbs
offers so much going forward with his eye-catching runs, nullifying the
threat of Napoli’s pesky wingers with his attacking instincts down the
left. But twice he got caught straying from his position on a night when
all that mattered to Arsenal was avoiding defeat by three goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Laurent Koscielny gave him a harsh stare and after that is was business as usual for Gibbs as Arsenal closed the game out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">There
were moments in the first half when they could have gone ahead,
particularly when Giroud was played in down the left. Napoli goalkeeper
Rafael Cabral prepared himself for the worst but Giroud shot straight at
him and he was able to beat the ball away to safety.</span><br />
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Strong armed: Laurent Koscielny throws himself into a challenge (left) as Gonzalo Higuain reflects on a miss</div>
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Physical: Olivier Giroud is wrestled off the ball by Raul Albiol during the first half </div>
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Familiar sight: Arsene Wenger (left) and Rafa Benitez (right) watch the game unfold </div>
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<img alt="Hitting the deck: Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini appeal for a free-kick against Goran Pandev" class="blkBorder" height="489" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A098BDA00000578-828_634x489.jpg" width="634" />
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Hitting the deck: Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini appeal for a free-kick against Goran Pandev</div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
this was a cautious Arsenal team with one eye on Saturday’s trip to
Manchester City and another on their game against Chelsea on December
23.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">This performance was
disciplined and focused. They showed restraint, reluctant to pour
forward in case they were outnumbered on the break. When they were
opened up, as they were in the second half when Pablo Armero was waved
through on goal by Arsenal’s defence, Szczesny came to their rescue.</span><br />
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<img alt="Tribute: Arsenal and Napoli stars joined to pay homage to the late Nelson Mandela " class="blkBorder" height="225" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09D7CF00000578-907_634x225.jpg" width="634" />
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Tribute: Arsenal and Napoli stars joined to pay homage to the late Nelson Mandela </div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">How
quickly Napoli fans turn, venting their fury on the left-back after he
failed to make the breakthrough. It is true, he ought to have done
better.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Other than that,
Arsenal did what their manager asked them to do — keeping the ball well
away from the area and the obvious threat of Higuain — until Callejon
put the Argentina striker in space and he fired home left-footed from
the edge of the box.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Then came Arteta’s sending-off and Callejon’s late goal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Dortmund’s
win in Marseille means Arsenal, as runners-up, will face the likes of
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Barcelona. But at least they are still
there.</span><br />
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<img alt="A tad late: Arsenal fans were dropped off after the kick-off in special fan coaches forcing them to miss the start" class="blkBorder" height="400" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09B4A700000578-183_634x400.jpg" width="634" />
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A tad late: Arsenal fans were dropped off after the kick-off in special fan coaches forcing them to miss the start</div>
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<img alt="In the spotlight: Wenger makes his way on to the turf ahead of the game resuming after the break " class="blkBorder" height="462" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522115-1A09E04A00000578-773_634x462.jpg" width="634" />
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In the spotlight: Wenger makes his way on to the turf ahead of the game resuming after the break </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-87623358739916321042013-12-11T14:23:00.000-08:002013-12-11T14:23:13.854-08:00He grieve £170,000-a-sevennight but Chelsea warrior Terry does his Christmas shopping at... Poundworld!<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">They say fame and fortune can change the modern footballer but that doesn't appear to be the case with John Terry.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Champions League winner, and former England captain, has won most of
what the game has to offer but still continues to shop at Poundworld.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Spotted
in the Woking store by Chelsea fan Jack Jeffery, Terry's basket was
said to be heavily stocked, despite him bringing home £170,000 a week!</span><br />
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<div class="artSplitter">
<img alt="Bargain basement: Chelsea's John Terry was spotted shopping at Poundworld in Woking by Jack Jeffery" class="blkBorder" height="612" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2521881-1A06599C00000578-757_634x612.jpg" width="634" />
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Bargain basement: Chelsea's John Terry was spotted shopping at Poundworld in Woking by Jack Jeffery</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The store later confirmed that the former England captain spent £21.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'My mate asked him if it was OK to have a picture,' Jeffery said. 'He was happy to let us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'It was weird just walking in there and seeing him. He had a lot of stuff in his basket but I didn't really see what it was.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'When I told my friends they were shocked and wished they had met him as well. He’s probably one of my favourite players.'</span><br />
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Luiz and Oscar back in action in Chelsea team training
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<img alt="Pampered? John Terry enjoys the luxurious surroundings of Chelsea's training ground on a regular basis" class="blkBorder" height="341" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2521881-1A00FAFF00000578-281_634x341.jpg" width="634" />
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Pampered? John Terry enjoys the luxurious surroundings of Chelsea's training ground on a regular basis</div>
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<img alt="Decorated player: There is little the Chelsea captain (left) hasn't won as a player" class="blkBorder" height="377" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2521881-19F0159700000578-352_634x377.jpg" width="634" />
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Decorated player: There is little the Chelsea captain (left) hasn't won as a player</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">And they said footballers were out of touch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Given
the many millions Chelsea have spent on Fernando Torres and Andrei
Shevchenko in recent years, perhaps it's time Terry taught his
paymasters how to shop for a bargain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Chris
Edwards Junior, trading director at Poundworld said: 'We were delighted
to hear that the Chelsea star paid a visit to our shop in Woking. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'He
obviously knows a good bargain when he sees one. Our store is close to
the Chelsea training ground, so we hope Mr Terry has spread the word
among his fellow team mates!'</span><br />
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<img alt="Not the bargain basement: Chelsea team-mates Fernando Torres and Andrei Shevchenko were expensive" class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2521881-05296BAA0000044D-668_306x423.jpg" width="306" />
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Not the bargain basement: Chelsea team-mates Fernando Torres and Andrei Shevchenko were expensive</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-36612717143060472752013-12-11T14:16:00.000-08:002013-12-11T14:16:44.544-08:00Chelsea 1 Steaua 0: Ba secures top spot for Mourinho's Blues as Schwarzer makes Champions League debut aged 41<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Jose Mourinho might claim to be afraid of the training ground dummies but he probably won't mind playing Steaua Bucharest again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Romanian champions were the perfect antidote for a Chelsea team with
strikers who cannot score and are leaking goals at a worrying rate.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">They
stepped aside as Demba Ba opened the scoring after 10 minutes and had
the decency to step aside on numerous other occasions but Mourinho's
team were unable to add to the lead.</span><br />
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<img alt="Flying start: Ba (centre) celebrates with Frank Lampard (left) and David Luiz after his early strike" class="blkBorder" height="429" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A099E0200000578-218_634x429.jpg" width="634" />
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Flying start: Ba (centre) celebrates with Frank Lampard (left) and David Luiz after his early strike</div>
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<br />
<div class="floatRHS art-ins sport">
<h3 class="wocc">
<b>Match facts</b></h3>
<div class="ins cleared xolcc bdrcc">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chelsea:</span> Schwarzer, Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole, Oscar, Mikel, Lampard, Willian, Ba, Hazard. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Subs not used: </b>Cech, Ramires, Torres, Mata, Schurrle, De Bruyne, Cahill.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Booked: </b>Mikel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Goal:</b> Ba 10.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steaua:</span> Tatarusanu, Georgievski, Szukala, Gardos, Latovlevici, Chipciu, Iancu, Pintilii, Stanciu, Parvulescu, Kapetanos. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Subs not used:</b> Nita, Prepelita, Cristea, Tatu, Piovaccari, Neagu, Varela.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;"><b>Referee:</b> Gianluca Rocchi (Italy)</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It did not matter. Steaua, despite
the occasional reckless charge out of defence at a speed that suggested
they were escaping a fire in their own half.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Their finishing was equally erratic did not force a save from Mark Schwarzer for 72 minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Often
the match felt like nothing more than an elaborate training session and
the mannequins used by Mourinho in his defensive drills might have done
better after all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Chelsea
got the win they needed to take their place in Monday's draw for the
Champions League knock-out rounds as group winners and improved on their
last European performance, a defeat in Basle when they failed to get a
shot on target.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">They
will avoid the best of the Europe and that should give them a fighting
chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the competition, which ought to
save face considering they crashed out in the group stage last season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Mourinho's
broader problems remain. They were never likely to disappear simply by
beating a team already out of Europe but the victory was important.</span><br />
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<img alt="Tribute: Players from both sides join together to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela" class="blkBorder" height="359" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A096EEE00000578-133_634x359.jpg" width="634" />
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Tribute: Players from both sides join together to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela</div>
</div>
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<img alt="Tap-in: The Senegalese beats the Steaua goalkeeper from close range" class="blkBorder" height="385" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A09992E00000578-187_634x385.jpg" width="634" />
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Tap-in: The Senegalese beats the Steaua goalkeeper from close range</div>
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<img alt="Smiles better: Ba capped a rare start for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho with a goal" class="blkBorder" height="434" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A099A5700000578-34_634x434.jpg" width="634" />
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Smiles better: Ba capped a rare start for Chelsea under Jose Mourinho with a goal</div>
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<img alt="Aussie rules: Mark Schwarzer replaced regular No 1 Petr Cech in goal for Chelsea" class="blkBorder" height="424" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A099F7600000578-276_634x424.jpg" width="634" />
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Aussie rules: Mark Schwarzer replaced regular No 1 Petr Cech in goal for Chelsea</div>
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<img alt="Targeted: A laser pen is directed at Frank Lampard" class="blkBorder" height="423" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A09724100000578-345_306x423.jpg" width="306" />
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Targeted: A laser pen is directed at Frank Lampard during the first half at Stamford Bridge</div>
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Foot in both camps: Former Chelsea and Steaua man Dan Petrescu waves to the crowd</div>
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<img alt="Acrobatic: Steaua keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu just beats Ba to the ball" class="blkBorder" height="483" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/11/article-2522117-1A09AFFF00000578-932_634x483.jpg" width="634" />
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Acrobatic: Steaua keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu just beats Ba to the ball</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-70511254519846596302013-12-08T17:30:00.001-08:002013-12-08T17:30:37.277-08:00Arsenal will face arch-rivals Tottenham in FA Cup third round draw... while Man United host Premier League side Swansea<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsenal have been drawn against north London rivals Tottenham in the FA Cup third round.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
game is the pick of the bunch, with other notable matches including
last season's defeated finalists Manchester City travelling to Blackburn
Rovers, Chelsea facing Derby away and Manchester United hosting
Swansea.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Current cup holders Wigan will begin their defence of the trophy at home against Milton Keynes Dons. </span><br />
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<img alt="The big one: Arsenal will face Tottenham at the Emirates in the best tie of the round" class="blkBorder" height="450" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520277-1B91F86F000005DC-938_634x450.jpg" width="634" />
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The big one: Arsenal will face Tottenham at the Emirates in the best tie of the round</div>
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<img alt="Jubilant: Wigan won the FA Cup last season against all odds by beating Man City in the final" class="blkBorder" height="414" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-0-0446D6E100000514-15_634x414.jpg" width="634" />
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Jubilant: Wigan won the FA Cup last season against all odds by beating Man City in the final</div>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Elsewhere, Liverpool will face either
Oldham or Mansfield at Anfield, while West Brom v Crystal Palace,
Newcastle v Cardiff and Norwich v Fulham are all Premier League clashes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Oldham
beat the Reds 3-2 in the fourth round last time and they will get
another crack at Brendan Rodgers' men if they can overcome Mansfield in
their second-round replay.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Liverpool
also met Mansfield in the third round last season, with Luis Suarez's
contentious second goal - when the Uruguay international handled the
ball before scoring - earning his side a 2-1 win.</span><br />
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<img alt="Tricky customer: Luis Suarez helped knock out Mansfield with a handball last season" class="blkBorder" height="393" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520277-19F02D9400000578-251_634x393.jpg" width="634" />
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Tricky customer: Luis Suarez helped knock out Mansfield with a handball last season</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The last time Arsenal won any
trophy was in the FA Cup, in 2005, but to do so again would mean beating
their bitter rivals at the first hurdle. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Meanwhile,
United might have been hoping for a more favourable cup draw following a
hugely disappointing start to the defence of their league title which
has seen them lose five times in 15 matches under new boss David Moyes,
with their latest setback Saturday's 1-0 loss to Newcastle at Old
Trafford. United have won the FA Cup 11 times, but the last time was
back in 2004.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">In other
games, last season's semi-finalists Millwall are at Southend, Brighton
welcome Reading, Bolton take on Blackpool, League One leaders Leyton
Orient go to Yeovil, Rochdale face Leeds, Ipswich clash with Preston,
Bristol City take on Watford, Doncaster face Stevenage and Plymouth go
to Port Vale.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Also,
Barnsley host Hartlepool or Coventry, Birmingham meet Bristol Rovers or
Crawley while Bournemouth take on Fleetwood or Burton.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-88430117416969039582013-12-08T17:29:00.000-08:002013-12-08T17:29:15.133-08:00Meulensteen claims Berbatov is 'fully committed' to Fulham after positive display against Villa<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Rene Meulensteen believes Dimitar
Berbatov demonstrated his commitment to the Fulham cause with a
sparkling performance in Sunday's 2-0 win over Aston Villa. </span><br />
<span id="ext-gen95" style="font-size: 1.2em;">Berbatov
was the lynchpin as Fulham ended a run of six straight league defeats,
teeing up Steve Sidwell for a well-taken opener before coolly
dispatching a penalty he had helped win.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
32-year-old was equal parts focal point and playmaker as Fulham
recorded a first win for new boss Meulensteen, who has replaced Martin
Jol.</span><br />
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<img alt="Happy again? Dimitar Berbatov (left) celebrates his goal against Aston Villa with Steve Sidwell " class="blkBorder" height="403" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520304-19F599FC00000578-987_634x403.jpg" width="634" />
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Happy again? Dimitar Berbatov (left) celebrates his goal against Aston Villa with Steve Sidwell </div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Berbatov's agent last
week confirmed his client is 'not happy' at Craven Cottage and will seek
a move in the January transfer window.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Meulensteen
hailed Berbatov's focus in leading the line despite being unsettled,
although the former Manchester United coach refused to discuss his star
forward's long-term future.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Meulensteen
said: 'I think the word is focus, anyone who has a good focus will know
what the job is in hand, and you focus on the performance.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'He
makes a difference. I thought he was excellent [in the 2-1 loss to
Tottenham] on Wednesday as well, and today again you saw what he was
capable of doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I
just had a good chat with him, he's not a stranger to me, we know what
games we have coming up all the way to January, and he's fully committed
to Fulham and the games we've got ahead of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I'm just focusing on the games up until January.</span><br />
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<img alt="Cool: Berbatov scored Fulham's second goal of the game against Aston Villa" class="blkBorder" height="459" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520304-19F587BE00000578-272_634x459.jpg" width="634" />
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Cool: Berbatov scored Fulham's second goal of the game against Aston Villa </div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I couldn't be more delighted with his performance, it shows that he cares.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'The most important thing is that the players should be delighted with themselves.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Asked
about Berbatov's likely prospects once the January transfer window
opens, Meulensteen said: 'I can't, couldn't, wouldn't and don't want to
answer that, it's my decision to do that with the people who are
relevant to discuss these things.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Dejected
Villa boss Paul Lambert was left to rue slim pickings for his side,
with striker Christian Benteke's goalless streak stretching to nine
games.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Villa also surrendered the league's second-best form record - a run of five games without defeat - in lacklustre fashion.</span><br />
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Pleased: Rene Meulensteen (above) believes Berbatov has shown commitment to Fulham </div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But Lambert refused to
take his players to task for their below-par performance, admitting his
men looked 'tired' in west London.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Frustrated
not to receive a penalty for Aaron Hughes' challenge on Gabriel
Agbonlahor, Lambert confirmed he had aired his views with referee Mike
Dean.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Lambert said: 'I don't think we did enough to win the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Where
I'm disappointed is the penalty. I had just spoken to Mike Dean, my
view differs from his. I don't know what anyone else thinks but I'll
leave other people to talk about it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Gabby got a foot on it first, and it's moments like that that change the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'If you lose any game you're always disappointed, but you pick yourself up and go again.'</span><br />
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Meulensteen: We were even better and more positive going forward
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Match winner: Berbatov (centre) was reported to be 'unhappy' at Craven Cottage</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-7504519125016789522013-12-08T17:27:00.002-08:002013-12-08T17:27:53.513-08:00Brilliant Barkley is a cross between Gazza and Ballack, says Martinez after young midfielder outshines world beater Ozil<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Everton manager Roberto Martinez
described Ross Barkley as a cross between Michael Ballack and Paul
Gascoigne after the youngster’s brilliant display.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The 20-year-old </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">showed his</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">power, pace and awareness to outshine Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Mesut Ozil on Sunday with a
performance of real maturity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">He
was at the heart of Everton's dominant first-half especially, which left Martinez
enthused. </span><br />
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<img alt="Always improving: Ross Barkley has been one of Everton's most impressive players this season so far" class="blkBorder" height="492" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520354-19F66F9E00000578-942_634x492.jpg" width="634" />
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Always improving: Ross Barkley has been one of Everton's most impressive players this season so far</div>
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<img alt="On the up: Barkley's been compared by his boss to Paul Gascoigne, Michael Ballack and more" class="blkBorder" height="409" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520354-19F6115500000578-975_634x409.jpg" width="634" />
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On the up: Barkley's been compared by his boss to Paul Gascoigne, Michael Ballack and more</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I've never seen a young English player with his sort of mentality,' said Martinez.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I
can see some (Michael) Ballack in him and some Gazza (Paul Gascoigne).
It's fine for us to make comparisons but he is Ross Barkley. He has
great balance, is good with both feet and is developing an incredible
awareness.'</span><br />
'<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">You can compare him against any of the best young Brazilians, Dutch or even Spanish.'</span><br />
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<img alt="Rising star: Gerard Deulofeu (centre) scored Everton's equaliser 10 minutes from the end" class="blkBorder" height="418" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520354-19F668C500000578-496_634x418.jpg" width="634" />
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Rising star: Gerard Deulofeu (centre) scored Everton's equaliser 10 minutes from the end</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Martinez's side is now</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">fifth on the
ladder, two points behind second-placed Liverpool, after </span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Spanish teenager Gerard Deulofeu - on loan from Barcelona - smashed home the late leveller</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">While
calling Barkley a 'unique talent', Martinez did try to tone down a
growing chorus for Roy Hodgson to make him part of England's World Cup
campaign next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'I have
great admiration for Ross, he has incredible potential,' says Martinez.</span><br />
'<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">We need to give him time and need to accept that it will take time but he has absolutely everything.</span><br />
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Well worked: Mesut Ozil scored Arsenal's goal after Theo Walcott got his head to a cross</div>
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'<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
manager of England has to decide what role there is for Ross, if any,
but we need to make sure we give him 50 games to see his evolution.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Any
players with talent need to develop their understanding and the
know-how to be effective. As a country we need to be more protective of
our young players but if we look after him he can give the nation
something unique.'</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">In Barkley and Deulofeu Everton boast two
prodigious talents but also have older heads in Gareth Barry and
Sylvain Distin creating a perfect blend for Martinez.</span><br />
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<img alt="On the up: Everton skipper Phil Jagielka is pleased with the impact made by the young players" class="blkBorder" height="384" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520354-19F62AB000000578-99_634x384.jpg" width="634" />
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On the up: Everton skipper Phil Jagielka is pleased with the impact made by the young players</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'You
can't have 11 young talents or 11 sets of old legs,' he said.</span><br />
'<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">We were incredible
today. We played well (in the win at Manchester United) but were even
better today. We have got over our mental block away to title
contenders.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'This was a massive step forward for us today.'</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-46272003595859033252013-12-08T17:26:00.000-08:002013-12-08T17:26:20.751-08:00Pellegrini won't cool it on the road despite dropping points against Southampton<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manuel Pellegrini is adamant he will
stick with his attacking philosophy away from home — despite Manchester
City’s dire record on the road this season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">At
home, the ability of the team is beyond question. Seven games; seven
wins; 29 goals (more than four a match) and only two conceded. Yet away
from home they have lost four already as their unflinching attacking
strategy in pursuit of the title has proved costly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Yet
their draw at St Mary’s was by no means a poor result. Their opponents
have only lost once at home all season and they deserve to be one of the
top sides in the league. </span><br />
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Close but no cigar: Sergio Aguero has an attempt just go with of the post</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Manchester City have only kept one clean sheet in eight Premier League away games this season.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">After taking the lead in the 10th
minute and going on to dominate the first 25 minutes that saw Sergio
Aguero bury Aleksandar Kolarov’s low cross, City were second best for
the rest of the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But when Pellegrini was asked to clarify whether he would persist with the style of play, he answered: ‘We try to play.’ </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">And
when quizzed about whether pursuing the home strategy on the road was
realistic, he replied: ‘I think so, because a big team plays everywhere
against other teams the same way.’ </span><br />
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<img alt="Do it this way! Manuel Pellegrini shouting instructions to his team at St Mary's" class="blkBorder" height="355" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520440-19F001DE00000578-589_634x355.jpg" width="634" />
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Do it this way! Manuel Pellegrini shouting instructions to his team at St Mary's</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Pellegrini point
seems to be there was no reason that his team should not be able to
replicate their form at home when they play away.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Playing
one striker up front and packing the midfield with attacking and
defensive midfielders has become fashionable in the top flight,
particularly away from home where it gives teams a chance to control the
game in the centre of the pitch. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Pellegrini
has bucked that trend, preferring to field two out-and-out strikers,
while also allowing his full backs to bomb forward often throughout
matches. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It is a strategy
that has been awfully exposed away from the Etihad — underscored by
Southampton’s equaliser. Just before half-time Dani Osvaldo burst free
on the left, with right back Pablo Zabaleta high up the pitch. </span><br />
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<img alt="Stunner: Dani Osvlado scored a wonderful goal which he floated over Costel Pantilimon" class="blkBorder" height="468" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520440-19EF6E9800000578-643_634x468.jpg" width="634" />
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Stunner: Dani Osvlado scored a wonderful goal which he floated over Costel Pantilimon</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Centre back Vincent
Kompany tried to cover, but was twisted in knots by Osvaldo on the left
corner of the penalty area before he cut back on himself and arced the
ball towards the top-right corner where it clipped the underside of the
crossbar on its way in.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">That
goal illuminated the reason why Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino
paid £15million for the striker in August. Much had been made, up to
then, of the player’s erratic temperament and his reputation for rowing
and even coming to blows with former players and managers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘He
won’t bite anyone like Luis Suarez, but he does have fire,’ mused
Pochettino, who managed Osvaldo at Espanyol. He has a reputation and he
deserves it. He is a player of character who is very emotional. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘But
he is growing every day and we are happy with how he is doing,
regardless of his behaviour. He is a friendly guy, a good team-mate.’ </span><br />
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<img alt="Tough: Southampton's Adam Lallana challenges Martin Demichelis" class="blkBorder" height="414" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520440-19EF5B4B00000578-675_634x414.jpg" width="634" />
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Tough: Southampton's Adam Lallana challenges Martin Demichelis</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Italian
international is expected to be included in his country’s squad for the
World Cup in Brazil next summer and could well lead the line against
England in their opening game. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">If
the 27-year-old continues to adapt to the Premier League and produces
more stunning moments of brilliance, he will pose a real threat.
Pochettino added: ‘It is a good thing for England that he is here, so
you can watch him and see how he develops.’</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-89862065732461996582013-12-08T17:25:00.000-08:002013-12-08T17:25:10.086-08:00Wenger fumes over Everton equaliser as Arsenal boss claims Lukaku was offside<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Arsene Wenger was unhappy Everton’s
late equaliser was allowed to stand after Arsenal missed the chance to
go seven points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Gerard
Deulofeu’s brilliant 84th-minute equaliser cancelled out Mesut Ozil’s
opener as Roberto Martinez’s side followed up their win at Manchester
United last Wednesday with an impressive point at the Emirates Stadium.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
the Arsenal manager, who was also unhappy with what he perceived as
Everton’s physical approach, was disappointed the Spaniard’s goal was
allowed to stand after replays showed Romelu Lukaku was offside in the
build-up to the leveller. </span><br />
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<img alt="Rough: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims Romelu Lukaku was off side in the build up to Everton's goal" class="blkBorder" height="458" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-0-19F6335B00000578-144_634x458.jpg" width="634" />
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Rough: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims Romelu Lukaku was off side in the build up to Everton's goal</div>
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<img alt="Line change: Wenger made a triple substitution in the 68th minute in a bid to break the 0-0 deadlock" class="blkBorder" height="440" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-0-19F6414200000578-715_634x440.jpg" width="634" />
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Line change: Wenger made a triple substitution in the 68th minute in a bid to break the 0-0 deadlock</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The Arsenal manager also felt the
Belgium international had committed a foul on Laurent Koscielny with an
attempted bicycle kick just seconds before Deulofeu’s strike.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘I think he was offside and he made a foul before the goal but the referee didn’t give it,’ said Wenger.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘But it doesn’t mean that we have to concede the goal because of it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘Deulofeu, you have to give him credit. He took his goal very well. You have to accept it.’ </span><br />
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<img alt="Leaders: Mesut Ozil finished from close range after a Theo Walcott header to put Arsenal ahead on 80 minutes" class="blkBorder" height="422" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-0-19F6497000000578-604_634x422.jpg" width="634" />
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Leaders: Mesut Ozil finished from close range after a Theo Walcott header to put Arsenal ahead on 80 minutes</div>
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<img alt="Blast back: Wojciech Szczesny's acrobatics couldn't stop Gerard Deulofeu equalizer on 84 minutes" class="blkBorder" height="357" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-0-19F66AEC00000578-187_634x357.jpg" width="634" />
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Blast back: Wojciech Szczesny's acrobatics couldn't stop Gerard Deulofeu equalizer on 84 minutes</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Four Everton players were booked on Sunday and Wenger looked increasingly agitated by the visitors’
approach during the encounter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">And
Wenger said: ‘I believe the problem is that they put very good pressure
on us when we got the ball back to stop our flow. We had problems to
get into the flow of the game but when we got into the passing, they
stopped us every time with a foul. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘And I believe the disadvantage of applying high pressure is that if you are not winning the ball back, you can be outnumbered. </span><br />
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<img alt="Lay down the law: Wenger instructs right back Carl Jenkinson and Ozil on the sideline" class="blkBorder" height="456" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-0-19F606B200000578-326_634x456.jpg" width="634" />
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Lay down the law: Wenger instructs right back Carl Jenkinson and Ozil on the sideline</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'To
make a foul without being punished by the referee is a huge advantage
because after that you play ten against ten in one half again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘I
feel overall that’s maybe a new problem for the referees because
everybody puts pressure on the opponents high up (the field) and, of
course, on the condition that if they don’t win the ball back they
foul.’ </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">During Sunday’s contest, Arsenal were drawn against north London rivals Tottenham in the FA Cup third round</span> <span style="font-size: 1.2em;">and Wenger joked: ‘I heard it was Tottenham. We don’t have enough tough games, so they gave us another one.’</span><span style="font-size: 1.2em;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3616176908477002181.post-55963655347024471832013-12-08T17:23:00.001-08:002013-12-08T17:23:45.818-08:00Gerrard out for six weeks after Liverpool captain picks up hamstring injury<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Liverpool fear Steven Gerrard could be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
Liverpool and England captain pulled up sharply after he attempted a
shot at goal during Liverpool's 4-1 win against West Ham and immediately
indicated that he needed to be substituted.</span><br />
<span id="ext-gen182" style="font-size: 1.2em;">Gerrard
is expected to have a scan on Monday to discover the extent of the
damage but the worst-case scenario is that he will be on the sidelines
until the end of next month.</span><br />
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<img alt="Helping hand: Gerrard is helped as he limps off the pitch during Liverpool's 4-1 win against West Ham" class="blkBorder" height="413" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520438-19EF9DB000000578-435_634x413.jpg" width="634" />
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Helping hand: Gerrard is helped as he limps off the pitch during Liverpool's 4-1 win against West Ham</div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West Ham have still not won in the league at Anfield since 1963. They have lost 30 and drawn 11 games there.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">That will be a devastating blow for
manager Brendan Rogers, who is already without key striker Daniel
Sturridge for the most demanding stage of the season.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Gerrard will miss the key trips to Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea and could be absent for as many as seven matches.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">This
is in contrast to an inviting fixture list which has seen Liverpool
punish the teams they would expect to beat at Anfield, the latest being
this dismissal of the Hammers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">But
a question remains: are they flat-track bullies or a team with genuine
substance? Before 2013 draws to a close, the answer will become clear. </span><br />
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Rodgers: We could have easily doubled the four goals we had
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Time's up: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard signals to the bench that he should be substituted</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">With Luis Suarez playing as he is, anything is possible.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘They
are going to be tough but we will concentrate on the first one at
Tottenham,’ said Glen Johnson, Liverpool’s right back. ‘It (a title
challenge) is always in the back of your mind but the only thing we can
do is get as many three points as we can.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘If
we are doing that, everything will take care of itself. But of course
we are good enough to be up there, definitely. Any team would miss
Stevie. But we have a good squad and if we can start scoring a few more
away from home, it will blend in nicely with what we are doing at
Anfield.’ </span><br />
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<img alt="Power: Gerrard pulled up sharply after attempting a shot on goal at Anfield" class="blkBorder" height="392" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520438-19EFC0A200000578-767_634x392.jpg" width="634" />
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Power: Gerrard pulled up sharply after attempting a shot on goal at Anfield</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">After Gerrard went off,
Liverpool lost their shape, which let the visitors back into the game
through a Martin Skrtel own goal. But Suarez ensured there was no
calamity, scoring twice in four minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">West
Ham’s hopes of salvaging a point disappeared when Kevin Nolan was sent
off for a tackle on Jordan Henderson that prompted Sam Allardyce to
describe him as ‘irresponsible’.</span><br />
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<img alt="Man on form: Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates his goal from long range against West Ham" class="blkBorder" height="415" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520438-19D8936600000578-104_634x415.jpg" width="634" />
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Man on form: Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates his goal from long range against West Ham</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">As good as Suarez was,
another South American really impressed. Philippe Coutinho pulled the
strings effortlessly at times and such is Rodgers’s belief in him, he
has urged Luiz Felipe Scolari to pick him for the World Cup.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">‘Felipe
has just asked me to keep an eye on the Brazilian boys and any feedback
— even from ones at other clubs — as I know him from my time at
Chelsea,’ Rodgers explained. ‘Lucas has got into the squad, which was
great, so hopefully Philippe can.’</span><br />
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<img alt="On the run: Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho pulls away from Mohamed Diame" class="blkBorder" height="357" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/12/08/article-2520438-19EF922E00000578-973_634x357.jpg" width="634" />
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On the run: Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho pulls away from Mohamed Diame</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05836530869709245352noreply@blogger.com0