Archive for November, 2008

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Charlton backs Ronaldo for another remarkable season

November 19th, 2008

Former Manchester United Legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, believes that Cristiano Ronaldo is once again racking up goals for his club.

During last weekend’s 5-0 demolition job of Stoke City at Old Trafford, Ronaldo scored 2 goals and took his tally for Manchester United to 101.

This was the first time in this campaign that both his goals came off free-kicks and left Thomas Sorensen, Stoke’s goalkeeper, baffled.

Currently, the United star has 9 goals in this season, which is following a remarkable season where he scored 43 times for the Devils.

Charlton had 249 goals in 758 appearances for United. During an interview, he showed his delight for seeing the return in form of Portuguese winger.

Charlton said, ‘Free-kicks from Ronaldo haven’t been going lately. But thankfully, it worked during the Stoke’s game.’

‘I find his scoring rate to be fantastic. His last campaign was an incredible one and this one is heading in the same direction.’

There was a period during the transfer season where Ronaldo seemed ready for a move to Real Madrid, but eventually decided otherwise.

Charlton claims that Ronaldo is currently playing at the best club in the world. According to him, only Red Devils can hone his talents with the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson.

‘I feel that Cristiano would have given a thought about his decision. Eventually, he also realized, like the most of us, that this club is the best in the world.’

‘With the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson, who I consider the best manager of the modern game, his talent is going to be well nurtured.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Ferguson receives a 2-match ban

November 18th, 2008

Manchester United Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, received a 2-match ban and a fine of US$15,000 from FA. He was charged following his on-field row with referee Mike Dean.

66-year-old manager was furious when Dean didn’t send off Andy Turner, Hull defender, for his challenge on Michael Carrick during Red Devils’ 4-3 win over the newly promoted side at Old Trafford.

Following that incident, Dean also awarded a penalty to Hull for an innocuous challenge from Rio Ferdinand on Bernard Mendy. This only added to the frustration of the Scot.

Earlier, Ferguson served a 2-match ban for finger-jabbing rant at referee Mark Clattenburg, when his side lost to Bolton.

The latest suspension involving him will start from December 2. This means that he’ll not be available pitch side for United’s Carling Cup encounter against Rovers on December 3.

He is also going to miss out on touchline reunion with Roy Keane, who captained United couple of years back. Keane will be bringing Sunderland to Old Trafford on December 6 for a Premier League encounter.

Ferguson claimed that FA was desperate for hitting him with a charge for improper conduct.

Meanwhile, Everton’s David Moyes was another manager to get charged for improper conduct against referee Alan Wiley.

Wiley sent Moyes to the stands, after the Toffees manager criticized him for not giving a penalty during their 3-2 win against Stoke in September.

However, he has not been slapped with a ban similar to Ferguson. Moyes will only require paying $7,500 for his offence. In addition to the fine, he also received a warning for future conducts.

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Posted in Everton, Man U

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Hull City Vs Manchester City: Geovanni wins the battle of Brazilians

November 17th, 2008

Geovanni was able to edge out the battle of Brazilians and helped Hull to salvage a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, his former club, at the Kingston Communication Stadium.

Robinho, who was drafted into the Eastlands side for 32.5 million pounds, played lively on the field, but failed to score a goal. However, City teammate Stephen Ireland continued his good season by scoring both the goals for the visitors.

In the 14th minute, Hull scored the opener, when forward, Cousin, made full use of a horrendous mistake in the defense from Tam Ben Heim.

However, another defensive gaffe from Kamil Zayatte allowed Stephen Ireland to score the equalizer for City in the 37th minute.

Ireland followed it up a sublime effort and was able to score his second goal in the final minutes of the first half to make it 2-1 for the visitors.

Geovanni then in the 60th minute scored the equalizer and allowed the host to take a much-needed point from the game.

City Boss, Mark Hughes, will now be looking for his players to gather their concentration and get back into winning habit, which was clearly visible in the earlier matches of the season.

Meanwhile, Everton managed a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at Goodison Park.

Boro scored the opening goal in the game only within 8 minutes into the first half through O’Neil. However, they were unable to hold the lead, as Yakubu scored the equalizer for Toffees in the 65th minute of the game much to the delight of their boss David Moyes.

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Posted in Everton, Manchester City

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Arsenal Vs Aston Villa: Gunners receive another setback in their title hunt

November 16th, 2008

Inconsistent Gunners received another setback in their Premier League title campaign, as they lost 2-0 at Emirates Stadium to Aston Villa.

Although Alumina made an excellent save to stop a first-half penalty off Ashley Young, an own goal from Gael Clichy and one from Gabriel Agbonlahor sealed the game for the touring side.

This is the second defeat for Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. It has allowed Arsene Wenger’s men to move down the table.

Liverpool, on the back of goals from Dirk Kuyt and Steven Gerard, swept away the disappointment of a shocking exit from the Carling Cup by beating Bolton 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium.

Chelsea defeated West Brom 3-0 at The Hawthorns, as they continued to hold on to the top position in the leader board table.

Manchester United also registered a crushing 5-0 defeat over Stoke City in Old Trafford. Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one each from Carrick, Berbatov and Danny Welback (England U-19 International), who scored on his debut, wrote the script for a comprehensive Red Devils’ victory.

Meanwhile at St. James Park, Joe Kinnear’s men almost came close to a win, but were denied by a late equalizer from Titus Bramble, former Newcastle’s old boy, that led to the game ending at 2-2.

Fulham continued their impressive run at home with a 2-1 win, as they handed the first defeat to Harry Redknapp’ stint at Spurs.

Roy Keane’s Sunderland also registered a win in the league. They defeated Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Ewood Park on the back of a goal from Cisse.

Portsmouth and West Ham United played a goalless draw at Upton Park. Although Zico’s men celebrated their first clean sheet in 25 games, their fans left the stadium minutes before the finish showing their disappointment with the team.

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Posted in Arsenal, Aston Villa

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Megson: Reds will win the league

November 15th, 2008

Gary Megson, Bolton boss, believes that Liverpool has the potential to continue their wonderful season and win their first Premier League crown since 1990.

Reds head to Reebok Stadium for a match against Bolton on Saturday as the joint leaders in Barclays Premier League table alongside Chelsea.

In recent times, Rafael Benitez’s men have effectively lost out of form at these stages in the season.
However, Megson is very much confident that Anfield club has the quality, which can take them full distance in this season.

Megson said, ‘Liverpool are always counted amongst the genuine contenders for the title, but this time around they have the support of a very good start.’

‘With top-class players always been a part of the side for last 40-50 years, they play under great expectations.’

‘They are expected of being in Champions League and winning Premier League. Now with such a start, they have the capability of converting this year.’

‘It seems unbelievable that such a talented side hasn’t won a league in 18 years. Although they’ve won several cups in this period, but it’s the league win that teams get judged by.’

Megson has great respect for the most successful club of Britain. He admires their desire and discipline, which Benitez has instilled in them.

‘They’ve world-class talent backed by an excellent coach, who has got them working on high work ethics. They seem very much settled and are flying.’

‘They’re organized and have the discipline, which is required for making it big in the league or any other tournament.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Redknapp: Bruce might have saved the day for Ferguson

November 14th, 2008

Harry Redknapp, Spurs Boss, believes that former Manchester United player, Steve Bruce, might have been responsible for saving Sir Alex Ferguson from an early exit in 1989.

Former Portsmouth manager was in-charge at Bournemouth, who almost defeated Manchester United in a close encounter at Dean Court.

According to him, if Bruce wouldn’t have intervened, 19 years (of half century in football) for Ferguson at Old Trafford might have been a different story altogether.

Redknapp said, ‘After moving to Manchester United for his first stint as a manager, he came perilously close of leaving the job. Red Devils were having a torrid spell in those days.’

‘I still remember Bournemouth playing against his side in an FA Cup encounter at Dean Court, which ended in a 1-1 draw.’

‘In the final minutes of the game, Luther Blissett found an empty net to put a cross into. However, defender Steve Bruce came from nowhere and jumped on Luther’s ankles, which led to a penalty but stopped him from scoring.’

‘While taking the penalty, Luther failed to score and scooped it wide. If Luther would have converted it and won the game for us, who knows what could have followed.’

‘However, we didn’t and Devils won the replay contest at Old Trafford. Today, that draw, for me, has started the script of one of the finest ever in the English League. With his incredible record, I currently rate him with the likes of Bill Nicholson & Bill Shankly.’

Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s manager, Joe Kinnear, warned Redknapp to not use foul tactics for getting keeper Shay Given in Spurs ranks.

Kinnear said, ‘Shay Given is an important member of the team and we are not looking forward to part with him. Redknapp can save his time and money, as Given is not leaving his club.’

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Posted in Man U, Tottenham

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Maradona: Tevez is worried about his future as a Red Devil

November 13th, 2008

Argentinean Legend, Diego Maradona, feels that Carlos Tevez is concerned about his future, not only at Manchester United but also for his country.

There are several rumors spread across Old Trafford, as Red Devil’s star forward continues to play for the club without security of new contract.

Right now, Argentinean forward is in his last year of loan deal from Media Sports Investments, which’s a 3rd-party company that owns his legal right. The worrying factor for Tevez is that there are doubts over whether the club is willing for forking out US$ 51 million required for securing his services permanently.

Recent acquisition of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has used up a huge portion of club’s transfer budget. At the same time, Berbatov’s presence has also created a strong competition to Tevez in the forward line.

Maradona, who is the current national coach of Argentina, is worried with the fact that limited first-team opportunities for Tevez can harm his chances of getting national call-ups in the future.

Maradona said, ‘I feel Tevez’s currently worried about not being in the first-choice team of United.’

‘He has a challenge ahead for winning a place amongst an extremely talented bunch of players, which include the likes of Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney.”

With the likes of Diego Milito, Lionel Messi, Ezequiel Lavezzi, German Denis and Sergio Aguero gunning for a place in the national side, lack of exposure might see Tevez plummeting down attacking hierarchy.

However, Maradona showed full faith in the ‘Apache’ and feels that he will make use of whatever opportunities he’s provided by the Red Devils. This spirit was even visible during the 4th round Carling Cup encounter, where he scored the only goal for United against QPR.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Wilkins: Drogba will come out with a renewed hunger for goals

November 12th, 2008

Ray Wilkins, assistant coach of Chelsea, predicted that Didier Drogba can return with a renewed hunger for goals.

Nicolas Anelka has been enjoying a prolific run in Drogba’s absence and it might be the reason for the striker to come out with a lot to prove.

Ivory Coast Captain is all set for starting the game, which is going to be his first in 6 weeks, against Burnley in the Carling Cup encounter, as Luiz Felipe Scolari, Chelsea Boss, is going to ring in several changes.

Wilkins said, ‘Drogba has an in-built determination for achieving success.’

‘I think that he’s not going to lie down lightly and will make a comeback with rejuvenated spirit.’

Drogba was sidelined with a knee injury, which he sustained in a Champions League encounter against CFR Cluj on October 1. Since then, he has been forced for watching Anelka seize the opportunity vacated by him and become the main goal scorer for the club.

In this season, Anelka has been able to hit opponents net 11 times. However, he’ll possibly be replaced by the African in the 4th round tie against a side, which is chasing promotion to the big league.

‘I have found him looking very sharp for the past two days. His determination might give him the will to play the full 90 minutes in the game.’

‘Now, it’s up to Scolari to make sure that he continues to stay in this same mode, as he’ll play a major role in the latter part of the season.’

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Premier League

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Ferdinand: Jonny needs to be patient

November 11th, 2008

Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United’s star defender, urged rookie Jonny Evans to be patient for his battle to get a first-team berth.

Red Devils boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, rejected approach made by Sunderland for buying Evans during the transfer season. Ferguson assured the 20-year old player that he’s a part of United’s long term plans.

Evans is going to make only the fourth start of this season, when Devils face QPR at Old Trafford in a 4th round Carling Cup encounter.

From his own experience (as he also faced the same situation in West Ham), Ferdinand has an idea of what Evans is going through.

England Defender said ‘Jonny requires being patient. The main problem is that he’ll also look for playing more games for the club. I wanted to the same when I was at his age playing for West Ham United.’

‘I had to wait, as the likes of Alvin Martin, Marc Rieper and Slaven Bilic always made the squad.’

‘I didn’t care for their reputation! I just wished to be a part of the first-team. I wanted my manager to give me one game in between. Jonny might also be thinking the same.’

Ferdinand had no doubts that his fellow centre-half was sure to topple the best by playing at the Old Trafford club.

‘Jonny has been called upon for big games in this season and done brilliantly. He’s a great player and the enthusiasm shown by Roy Keane (Sunderland’s manager) for buying him says a lot of his caliber.’

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Manchester City Vs Tottenham Hotspurs: Redknapp’s magic continues to work for Spurs

November 10th, 2008

Presence of Harry Redknapp worked again for the 10-man Spurs, as they defeated a 9-man Manchester City 2-1 in City of Manchester Stadium and continued their 5 match undefeated streak in the league.

Although City made a breakthrough in only the 16th minute of the game through a Robinho goal (his eighth in the season), Spurs was able to end it on a high with two goals from an inspired Darren Bent.

The game also had 3 red cards shown by the referee including a straight red card in the 83rd minute to City Captain Dunne for hauling back Bent, who was homing in on City goal for his third.

Apart from Dunne, City’s Gelson Fernandes (27th minute) and Spurs Assou-Ekotto (injury time) were shown the door by the referee during the game.

Although one club with a new manager came on top of their opponents, the other one was unable to repeat their show in the recent games.

Joe Kinnear’s Newcastle United made it difficult for Fulham at Craven’s Cottage. However, they were unable to win, as Fulham continued their great homerun by defeating Magpies 2-1, which included a spot kick from Danny Murphy.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa failed to move close to a possible Champions League spot for the next season, as they lost to Middlesbrough 1-2 at Villa Park, with both the Boro goals coming from Turkish star Tuncay Sanli.

Another game saw Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men score a confident 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park with the in-form Nicolas Anelka scoring both the goals for the Blues.

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Posted in Manchester City, Tottenham

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