Archive for August, 2008

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Arsenal Vs Newcastle United: Persie double in 3-0 win silences talks of club crisis

August 31st, 2008

Robin van Persie scored twice for Arsenal, as the Gunners silenced all the talks of a club crisis with a romping 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium.

This win came as a relief to Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger, who was under the hammer after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham in Craven Cottage.

Gunners outclassed Newcastle in all the departments and showed the same vigor, which was visible earlier in the week against FC Twente that got them through to the Group stages of the Champions League.

The goal scoring started in the eighteenth minute, as Dutchmen Persie scored from the spot after Newcastle’s N’Zogbia handled the ball.

Persie scored his second goal in the 41st minute, as he smashed a pass from Emmanuel Eboue past Newcastle goalkeeper, Shay Given.

Newcastle had their chances with skipper Michael Owen and Jonas Gutierrez constantly making a move towards the Gunners net. However, the home side’s defense was impeccable and gave little scope of conversion to the Magpies.

In the 59th minute, Brazilian Denilson scored a superbly crafted goal to make it 3-0 and wrapping up the game for the home team.

Wenger was all praise for his side and said that they delivered what they promised at the beginning of the season, ‘Flawless Performance’. For Kevin Keegan, it was a disappointing game for his side after they showed great vigor in the first two games of the season.

Elsewhere, Bolton Wanderers & West Bromwich Albion were involved in the first 0-0 draw of the season at Reebok Stadium. Hammers went past Paul Ince’s Rovers 4-1 at Upton Park to continue the away side’s miserable run at this stadium. Again, Middlesbrough also defeated Stoke City 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium with a late goal from Tuncay Sanli.

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Portsmouth Vs Everton: Pompey breaks losing streak with a 3-0 win

August 31st, 2008

Portsmouth finally got back into winning habits with brilliant assists and clever braces from Jermain Defoe, who helped them to seal a 3-0 victory over Everton.

Everton continued their 6 games loosing streak on home turf, Goodison Park, which stretched from the end of previous season. They never looked in any momentum and a struggling Portsmouth side made full use of this situation.

Jermain Defoe scored the first goal for Harry Redknapp’s men, when he found the net in the 12th minute with a stunning predatory effort.

As the first half progressed, Everton slowly showed signs of getting back into form with Yakubu, former Portsmouth forward, showing clever plays and almost reaping rich dividends.

However with Portsmouth scoring their second goal just five minutes from the break, Everton received a major setback. It was Defoe again, who provided an excellent pass to help Glen Johnson score the goal.

Everton might have got back into the game with a goal after the break. However, Yakubu failed to convert a penalty kick in the 47th minute, much to the disappointment of the home fans.

Defoe sealed the deal for Pompey, as he scored his second and the team’s third goal in the 68th minute. He went past Howard with a classy lofted shot that bounced back after hitting the crossbar over the line.

Redknapp was satisfied with his side’s performance and hoped to see the same class in the coming matches.
Meanwhile at KC stadium, Wigan Athletic proved too much for Hull City, as the home side’s fairytale run came to a disastrous end with a 5-0 defeat. Egypt International Amr Zaki scored two goals for Wigan.

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Posted in Everton, Portsmouth

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Saha might join Everton for the current season

August 30th, 2008

Louis Saha, who is a member of the current Premier League and Champions League champions Manchester United, has been offered a contract by the Everton club.

Manchester United, who has already been strengthening their attacking line up, might not have any objection for the deal.

The past few seasons have been really unlucky for Saha, as he has remained veiled by injuries. Saha will have to pass medical tests before being handed the contract by Everton officials.

David Moyes has agreed to provide the French striker a fee, which has not been disclosed as of yet. However, he has made it open that Saha might be considered for another year extension, if he will be ready to play for Everton.

Saha, at 30 years of age, has already played for Newcastle United and Fulham other than United.

He would be the third recruit to the Everton side in this season. Saha has 18 international appearances. With United, he has 42 goals under his belt.

Everton, who have not performed up to the mark, would definitely have a strong forward line up, if Saha was to join their side. It would be really a busy schedule for Moyes himself, as he is trying to catch up on resources that are running low compared to a proper Premier League try-out.

The Nigerian striker Victor Obinna has also been targeted by the Scot.

Moyes has already signed in Jacobsen and Castillo. Hope this renewed change of getting fresh faces in the side would heighten the team spirit in their weekend’s encounter against Portsmouth.

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Posted in Everton, Football Transfer Market

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Pavyluchenko inclusion might work in favor of Spurs

August 30th, 2008

Tottenham Hotspurs have started a wrecking Barclay’s Premier League campaign, which has already seen two losses under their belt.

With the uncertainty in regards to the future of Dimitar Berbatov, who is being talked to a move for Manchester United, the team looks to be lacking the needed vigor of a first club.

However, things might be different in the coming weeks, as they have completed the transfer of the Russian striker, Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Pavyluchenko came into the limelight after a promising Euro 2008 with Russia where his skills were tough to compete.

Pavyluchenko has troubled several international sides, including England. With his aggression, Tottenham might get the killer instinct necessary for getting out of the slum, which they have got themselves into in the beginning of the season.

The only hope for Tottenham is shining in the form of Pavyluchenko, who has come down to London for finalizing his move to the Lilywhites. This move would be a boost for the club ahead of their next match against the in-form Chelsea, who are also the current leaders in BPL table.

He would join the side from North London alongside striker Darren Bent for the rest of this season. With the Spurs making little use of the transfer window, they are only left with the experienced Russian striker to resurrect their lost pride.

Pavyluchenko may not play for the weekend’s match against Chelsea, but Spurs might be playing with renewed energy at the news of this addition.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will be looking forward to continue their winning run by going one-up on Spurs.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Football Transfer Market

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SWP resigned by Manchester City for 4 years

August 29th, 2008

Shaun Wright Phillips has been resigned by his former club Manchester City for an undisclosed sum (reported as £9 million) from Chelsea.

26-year old Phillips passed a medical test on Thursday and signed 4-year contract with City.

According to sources, Wright Phillips was initially reluctant for making a move from Stamford Bridge. However after having talks with Chelsea manager on this issue, his decision of calling time in The Blues shoes was finalized.

Phillips quoted: ‘I am delighted for making a comeback to Manchester City, where it actually started for me. I just cannot wait anymore to get back on the field for them’.

Mark Hughes, City Manager, expressed his pleasure after finalizing Phillips deal. He was with his side in Denmark to play FC Midtjylland for their second leg UEFA Cup clash.

Hughes accepted that he was always an admirer of the player and wanted him to be in City colors, since being appointed as the manager of the club.

It was Manchester City only, where the player made an impact in Premier League, before getting transferred to the London Club 3 years ago for £21 million.

Wright-Phillips had a 7-year spell with Manchester City (1998 – 2005) before he was moved to the London Club. England winger was able to start in 43 games with Chelsea during his span with the club that lasted 3 years.

Meanwhile, after a 3-0 victory over West Ham United at City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester City will be looking to carry their momentum in the coming games. With Wright in their squad, they might have the ‘right’ side to achieve this feat.

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Posted in Football Transfer Market, Manchester City

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Wegner: Robinho might debut against Spurs

August 29th, 2008

According to reports, Robinho, Real Madrid forward, would be able to complete his €36 m (£28.7 m) transfer deal for Chelsea in due time for debuting in a home game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Wegner Ribeiro, agent of the Brazilian International, believes that his client should be wearing the Blue jersey for training as early as Friday and can play for the club in their weekend game.

Robinho was amongst the main targets of Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, when he took the charge at Stamford Bridge.

Peter Kenyon, chief executive of Chelsea, felt similar to coach Scolari’s view and stated that with Robinho in their ranks, they can become a team that can decimate any opposition.

Robinho is expected to put on No. 7 short, which was vacated after the departure of Ukrainian Andriy Shevchenko, who rejoined his former club AC Milan for £ 30m.

Scolari has already signed Deco from Barcelona in one of the most noted signings of the season. Portuguese player has already created an impact with the club by scoring two goals in first two games for his club.

The Blues are already topping the table on goal difference with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Portsmouth in Stamford Bridge and a 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in Britannia Stadium.

With a possibility of Robinho and Deco playing together in their squad and players like Frank Lampard & Joe Cole in great form, Scolari’s men has all the possible ingredients to run away with all the spoils of the season.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Football Transfer Market

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Philippe Senderos to play for AC Milan

August 28th, 2008

AC Milan has signed Philippe Senderos as a part of a loan deal for one full season from Arsenal.

The transfer was approved by Arsenal, as Senderos was not getting chances to utilize his skills at the club owing to the presence of a large number of players, who could play at the center back position.

Senderos, who plays for Switzerland, has been playing with the London Club for quite sometime now. The defender had a wonderful stint with the Gunners for the past five years.

His former teammates wanted him to have a wonderful season with AC Milan. It is expected that the temporary move could become a permanent move for the Swiss player, if he performs well in the coming season at AC Milan.

23-year old has appeared in 115 games during his last five years of stay with the Gunners. He arrived at the club in 2003, before which he played for FC Servette.

Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, said that the player is currently visiting AC Milan where he will be having a medical test.

According to Wenger, the player was being lent to AC Milan so that he could play and utilize his skills and not let it rot on the bench.

Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a place in UEFA Champions League by defeating FC Twente 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. With goals from Samir Nasri, William Gallas, Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner, Gunners crushed the hopes of former England Coach, Steve McClaren’s side. McClaren will now have to be contented with a place in UEFA Cup.

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Sunderland signs Anton Ferdinand for four years

August 28th, 2008

After a series of fresh faces in Roy Keane’s side, Anton Ferdinand is the newest player that will be drafted in Sunderland.

Ferdinand, who is currently playing for West Ham United, has been looked upon as an excellent addition for his side’s defense by Keane.

According to former Red Devil’s midfielder, the young player is a good central defender and can be a breath of fresh air in their defense that has been vulnerable in the recent past.

23-year old Ferdinand, who is also a member of the England Under-21 squad, is believed to have signed a contract according to which he will have to play for Sunderland for the coming four years.

The deal between the Black Cats and the Hammers is rumored to be worth £8 million.

Roy Keane believes that Ferdinand has a good experience to back him up. Again being a young player, he will add to the energy of the team.

The manager stated that he had full faith in the young player and adding him to the team will help in developing the overall performance of the Black Cats.

On being asked about the transfer, Anton Ferdinand said that it was not easy on his part to leave West Ham United. Ferdinand had a long tryst with the club and has been playing for them for almost sixteen long years.

The player also said that he feels his game will develop at Sunderland and was looking forward to be playing for the team under the watchful eyes of Manchester United’s Roy Keane.

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Posted in Football Transfer Market, Premier League

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Cristiano Ronaldo is eager to make a comeback

August 27th, 2008

Manchester United’s winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, who made headlines in the previous seasons for wrong reasons, has clearly spoken about his frustration for being a sideliner.

The manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, suggested that Portugal Star will not be seen in action till the first week of October. But on another side, Ronaldo is eager to return before October.

Cristiano Ronaldo, in one of his press conference, told the Portuguese broadcaster SIC that he has never experienced such a situation in his football career having two months of complete rest without even kicking a football.

He also highlighted his disappointment by adding that he is such kind of a player, who is never used to be on the sidelines. However, he strongly said that he realized the worst period has already gone and in the present scenario, losing patience is not an option.

The excitement was clearly noticed in the player’s eyes, while he was stating that he is feeling much better then earlier. He currently feels that kicking the ball is not much far away from him.

Again, Ronaldo has been extensively touted as one of the strong candidates for the award of FIFA Player of the World for this year. He also believes that he has an excellent chance of winning this award on the back of an impressive performance that allowed his club to win BPL & UEFA Championships.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson was looking for a better performance from his side after a scrappy 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Although Fletcher’s performance in both the games has impressed him, he felt that his side can do better.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Cook: Ronaldo’s experience might work for Manchester City

August 27th, 2008

Among the various ups and downs of this transfer season, there is a latest development at the Barclay’s Premier League.

Having failed to sign over Ronaldinho from Barcelona, Manchester City officials are now ready to focus on Ronaldo, the Brazilian striker, who is currently playing for AC Milan.

The unfortunate Ronaldo, who had an injury wrought World Cup, has been on the free agent list since last summer when Milan had dropped him from their side.

Garry Cook, the executive chairman of Manchester City, said that they had been looking for an experienced campaigner to their side.

He thinks that Ronaldo, the Brazilian star, now at 31, is the perfect fit to the side and will be a great asset to the club. Ronaldo, on the other hand, is still healing from the knee tendon severed during last February.

Ronaldo is set to return this November, but Manchester City officials are looking into the matter and want to know how serious the problem is.

The club is also insisting that if the Brazilian star were to join them,after release ,then he would have to get rid of the excess fat, which he has put on. Either way, this is going to be more interesting as the player would be paid on his individual match basis and not for the entire season.

Meanwhile, after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over West Ham United, Manchester City will be looking to work on with their goal scoring form and create an impact in Premier League table.

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Posted in Manchester City, Premier League

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