Archive for January, 2009

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Alonso: We are capable of defeating Chelsea again

January 31st, 2009

Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, expressed his belief on the strengths of his club. He feels that the Reds have the capability to win over Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, as they did in Stamford Bridge, when the two teams last met each other.

Spanish International attributed such remarks to the recent controversies, which surround Liverpool on their faltering title bid.

Liverpool ended the 86 game unbeaten record of Chelsea at home in the Premier League way back in October courtesy Alonso, who scored the only goal of the match.

Alonso said, ‘Liverpool managed to produce some real good results, particularly against the top four this season. Nobody should forget the way we defeated Chelsea.’

‘Since it is the second part of the Premier League, we are capable of doing it again and have more fascinating results against the top four.’

Although Alonso’s winning goal against Chelsea has been credited subsequently as an own goal to Bosingwa, the Spanish footballer is still credited in Liverpool’s own records for his efforts.

Alonso added, ‘If we can beat the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea again, then we will have a great chance to regain the top spot.’

‘It is very important for us to win these crucial games and bring ourselves close to the top spot.’

Although Liverpool currently has an unbeaten run of 15 matches, they have managed to draw most of them. They will be looking forward to break their streak and regain the form that took them to the top of the table.

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Ferdinand: We can win the Premier League

January 30th, 2009

Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, is confident that his team can win the Premier League crown for the third year in succession, if they maintain their present form.

After a run of six consecutive wins, United are now two points clear of their nearest rivals, Chelsea and Liverpool, with a game in hand.

Earlier this month, Red Devils hammered the Blues 3-0 at Old Trafford. They showed similar form against West Brom on Tuesday, where they scored five goals.

Ferdinand said, ‘We have secured the top position in the Premier League table. Now, we need to consolidate on that by keeping the momentum and getting more points from the next few games.’

United will come up against Everton in their next game. They will be looking forward to increase the difference at the top for their title hat trick.

Ferdinand added, ‘If we continue to perform in the way we have been doing in the last few games, we will win the title this year.’

The return of Ferdinand and Patrice Evra to the side will be a major boost for Manchester United in the coming games, as they will need their support to extend their winning run. Ferdinand feels the presence of senior players is also important for them to have an impact.

‘Presence of experienced players like Neville, Giggs and Scholes makes it easier for us, as they have helped the side in winning the Premier League before.’

Ferdinand feels that Red Devils are really going to be hard to beat in the coming matches and the possibility of them winning the League will grow more.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Liverpool’s title ambitions dented by a 1-1 draw against Wigan

January 29th, 2009

Liverpool was held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan at The JJB Stadium, as the Reds received another dent in their quest to win the Premier League crown.

Once again, Liverpool showed inability to convert their possession into goals, as Rafael Benitez’s side could not capitalize for the fourth consecutive match.

Yossi Benayoun opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 41st minute. However, it didn’t prove to be enough after the Reds gave Wigan a penalty in the 81st minute.

Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian midfielder, made a rash challenge on Mido, who converted the penalty much to the delight of the home fans.

This draw took Liverpool 2 points behind the Red Devils, who still have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Chelsea thrashed Middlesbrough 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and kept their title aspirations alive with Salomon Kalou scoring twice for the home side.

This victory allowed the Blues to move to the second place in the League table overtaking Liverpool with a better goal difference.

Another game saw Manchester City defeat Newcastle United 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Goals from City’s record signing Robinho and Craig Bellamy allowed their club to register a comprehensive win over struggling Magpies.

In another exciting encounter that ended 1-1, Arsenal managed to escape a narrow defeat at the hands of Everton in Goodison Park, as Robin Van Persie scored for the Gunners in the injury time.

At Upton Park, West Ham United defeated Hull City 2-0 and extended their unbeaten run with goals coming from David Di Michele and Carlton Cole.

Elsewhere at Ewood Park, Blackburn’s Benny McCarthy spared Sam Allardyce his first loss, as the striker scored against his former club (Bolton) to make it 2-2.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Liverpool

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5-0 drubbing takes Red Devils three points clear of Liverpool

January 28th, 2009

Manchester United thrashed West Brom 5-0 and moved three points clear of Liverpool on the Premier League Table.

During this crushing encounter, it was Edwin van der Sar, who made BPL history by surpassing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech 2004-05 record of 925 minutes without conceding a single goal for his team.

United also set an all new record of 11 consecutive clean sheets breaking the one set by Chelsea four years back.

First half goals were scored by Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov following a typical blunder from Scott Carson.

The match saw a harsh decision from the referee with the West Brom acting skipper Paul Robinson being shown the ninth red card of his football career.

Later in the second half, United increased their lead with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and one from Nemanja Vidic. This drubbing allowed the Red Devils to earn their sixth successive win in the league.

United’s crushing win over West Brom has increased the pressure over Liverpool, who have been plagued with poor performances and draws in the recent past. Reds next play Wigan on Wednesday and will be looking forward to close the gap with the current league leaders.

Elsewhere, Tottenham recorded their first Premier League win in over a month, as they defeated Stoke 3-1, courtesy a series of goals at White Hart Lane in the first half.

Aston Villa moved to the third spot in the Premier league table beating Portsmouth 1-0 at Fratton Park. Emile Heskey scored his debut goal for Villa in the 20th minute of the game.

Again, Sunderland defeated Fulham 1-0 at the Theatre of Dreams and ended the club’s run of four Premier League defeats against them.

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Posted in Man U, Tottenham

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Kuyt: Liverpool is no short in confidence

January 27th, 2009

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has expressed his belief that the Reds are high in confidence in spite of three successive draws.

Liverpool drew against Everton in their last match of the FA cup and collected just two points from their two previous Premier League games allowing Manchester United to clinch the top spot in the table.

Rafael Benitez’s side managed to find the net only twice in their last three matches in the Premier League after scoring as many as eight goals in just two matches against Newcastle and Bolton after Christmas.

Incidentally, both the goals came from the boots of Steven Gerrard. Rest of the Liverpool squad has struggled to supplement the efforts of their captain with striker Fernando Torres still working to get his full fitness back.

However, Holland International feels that the situation of his team is not as bad as the critics are making out.

According to Kuyt, ‘Confidence in the team is good and I believe that we have the capability to win each and every game.’

‘The team needs to keep going, look forward and play according to their strengths.’

‘The points, which we have dropped, were what we never expected. Since we are Liverpool, we want to win each & every game. So, we have no time to stand and think about the past.’

‘Our team is still in the FA Cup and doing pretty well in the Premier League. We are also playing well in the Champions League. All we have to do is to stay positive and the results will be reflected in our future matches.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Spurs sign Cudicini on free transfer

January 26th, 2009

Tottenham Hotspur completed the signing of Carlo Cudicini, veteran goalkeeper from Chelsea, on free transfer.

Harry Redknapp, Spurs Manager, signed the 35-year-old keeper for competing with Heurelho Gomes, who is currently the first choice goalkeeper of the club. Gomes has been under serious criticism for his performance this season and may play second fiddle to Cudicini.

Italian International was a part of the Blues since 1999. He was the first choice for the club, till Petr Cech arrived in 2004.

Cudicini signed Chelsea on one-year loan deal from Castel di Sangro in 1999. However, he was permanently moved to the club in the next season following a summer transfer worth £160,000.

2002’s Blues’ player of the year, Cudicini, helped Chelsea in winning 2 league Cups, 2 FA Cups and 2 Premier League crowns.

Redknapp is hoping that inclusion of Cudicini may improve Spurs defensive record, which has been poor. Their defense has been one of the reasons why Spurs are currently plummeting 16th on the league table.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United is also looking forward to get some new faces in their squad for changing their fortune.

With speculations on future of Shay Given, Joey Barton and Charles N’Zogbia, Joe Kinnear is working hard to close in on at least one of his targets.

Kinnear already has Peter Lovenkrands, Denmark International, in his ranks and looking to add Toulouse’s Albin Ebondo and Rennes’ Stephane Mbia.

If Magpies need to make a comeback in the League, they will have to fill the areas, which currently have little or no cover.

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Posted in Football Transfer Market, Tottenham

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Mourinho: Liverpool can win the Premier League

January 25th, 2009

Jose Mourinho, former Chelsea Boss, believes that Liverpool has everything needed for them to win this season’s Premier League.

Reds are currently sitting second on the league table level in terms of points with Manchester United, but they are behind on superior goal difference. Again, they have also played a game more than the Red Devils.

Speaking to the reporters from Sunday Telegraph, Mourinho said ‘It’s been interesting seeing Liverpool perform this season. I feel that they have the right ingredients for winning the title.’

While they are still in title race, Liverpool has been guilty of wasting important home points against less-fancied opponents this season. However, Mourinho, believes they have the ability to keep their championship challenge right on track.

‘It’s tough for me to understand how they weren’t able to manage such wonderful performances in previous four seasons.’

‘Their manager is good, players are world class, fans are unique and club tradition is big. There’s no reason that they cannot do it this time around.’

However, Mourinho warned that as soon as the Champions League starts from next month, it will be a distraction for the Anfield club.

‘Usually, it’s when Champions League commences that they start losing their focus from the Premier League.’

‘It has been the case with them in previous seasons where they performed well in Champions League, but lost important points in the League games.’

‘They’ve already lost 10 important points at home in games that they could have easily won. On any given day, Liverpool is a better side than West Ham, Stoke, Hull, Everton and Fulham. However, they have failed to perform against such teams and lost crucial points.’

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Posted in Liverpool, Premier League

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Ferguson: I will be happy with just 20

January 24th, 2009

Alex Ferguson seems convinced that his star winger, Cristiano Ronaldo, can reflect on another brilliant season, even if he ends up scoring only ‘20’ goals.

The Portuguese International reached double figures in this season after scoring through a penalty at Old Trafford against Derby earlier in this week. This goal was his first in domestic circuit since mid-November. It was an extraordinarily long run considering the standards that he sets.

Ferguson insisted that Ronaldo hasn’t been going through a patch where he lacks confidence. However, he feels that the phenomenal achievement of 42 goals in the previous term by the 23-year-old may be an unfair benchmark for him.

Scot said, ‘You always have those exceptional seasons.’

‘However, it is very much difficult to replicate the same feat every year. I remember Dutch International, Ruud van Nistelrooy, getting 44 goals in a season one year, but followed it up with 30.’

‘Ronaldo is a confident lad and believes in his abilities.’

‘This season has been tough for him. He has missed a number of chances, which he would have easily put away in the previous season. However, he is on 10 goals thus far and has the ability to score another 10.’

‘At the end of the current Premier League Season, I’m sure that he’ll be finishing the season with 20 goals, which is a fantastic comeback for a winger.’

Meanwhile, Red Devils are all charged up for their 4th Round tie against the Spurs, in spite of all the injury worries. Ferguson believes that their bench strength can still prove to be to hot too handle for Redknapp’s man at Old Trafford.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Injury woes threaten United’s campaign

January 23rd, 2009

Manchester United is facing an injury crisis this season, which is enough to threaten and derail them from their bid to have a clean sweep of trophies.

English and European champions are heading in FA Cup clash against Tottenham tomorrow with a lengthening injury list and a steadily decimated defence.

Sir Alex Ferguson is in real disarray, as he could be well without twelve first team players for the weekend fixtures.

Rio Ferdinand has been suffering from a back injury and missed the past eight matches for United, but he is nearing full fitness gradually.

Wes Brown suffered an ankle injury in November, but he is also very close to make a comeback for the Red Devils.

Patrice Evra is likely to be out of action till early February, as he sustained a serious foot injury during the match against Chelsea, which United won 3-0.

Nani also suffered a groin strain against Derby and will be sidelined for a minimum of seven days.

Anderson was stretchered off against Derby after the final whistle, but x-rays revealed that the player does not have a broken bone. However, doctors have advised him to be out of action for at least three weeks due to an ankle injury.

Wayne Rooney suffered a hamstring injury within first eight minutes of the game against Wigan last week and limped off from the field. He is expected to be back for United in early February.

Apart from these, Owen Hargreaves will not play this season due to a surgery on his knees and Park Ji-Sung may miss the next game due to a hamstring injury.

It will be a tough campaign ahead for Manchester United with such top players injured. However, Ferguson believes that they have the talent to challenge all the obstacles in their way of winning championships.

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Posted in Man U, Premier League

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Nani assures good form in second half of the Premier League

January 22nd, 2009

Nani, Manchester United winger, intends to continue the second half of the Premier League season in full flow and hopes to make a big impact by bringing glory for his team.

22-year-old Portuguese star has admitted to news sources that he really struggled to gain his form while playing for the Red Devils in the first half of the season.

However, he has regained his form and made a bright start in the New Year scoring through a spectacular strike against Derby in the Carling Cup on Tuesday.

His goal helped United to a victory against Derby and a place in the March 1 final at Wembley, where they face Tottenham, who secured the place after surviving a nail-biter against Burnley.

United winger is looking forward to the coming days, weeks and months with full of confidence.

In an exclusive Manchester Evening News, Nani said, ‘I was pleased with my contribution to United last season.’

‘I hope to do it even better this season. My aim is to give my best, as I have got my chances and I will do it from the very start of this year.’

Nani was hoping to be confident enough to score goals and do well in the latter part of the season. He said, ‘It is really difficult for a player to play one game and then go out of form for two matches. Everyone wants to have a positive form for a run of matches and I will look to have the same for myself.’

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Posted in Man U, Tottenham

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